History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 90

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

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Rev. Albert M. Heilman attended first the public schools of his native township and then pursued a special course at New Oxford and Gettysburg, following which, in 1883-85, he taught school. In 1885 he entered the Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg, and in 1889 was graduated there with high honors, being the salutatorian of his class. He then entered the Gettysburg Theological Seminary and was graduated from that institution in 1892, al- though he had been licensed to preach in 1891.

Rev. Mr. Heilman was first installed at the Dallastown Church, in the spring of 1892, where he remained until the fall of 1894. when he assumed the Shrewsbury charge. This is a very important field and 110 indifferent preacher or pastor, if the synod contains such. would be acceptable there. The membership of his church includes educated, prominent and pious people to the number of 450, and his Sun- day school has 300 members. Much of the prevailing interest is directly attributable to the personal work of Mr. Heilman, whose ir- reproachable character and Christian fellow- ship have brought him the confidence. esteem and affection of his people.

In 1892 Mr. Heilman was married to Anna C. Wecker, daughter of Frederick Wecker. of York, and they have two intelligent, manly boys-Albert H. M. and Paul M.

Mr. Heilman has been chairman of the York County Missionary Society for the past three years and in 1893 was selected as dele-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

gate to the general synod convention which met at Baltimore. Both as pastor and preacher Mr. Heilman is very popular. He has a fine delivery and earnest manner and his presenta- tion of the truth is interesting as well as con- vincing. He has done a great work in this field, and it is the fervent hope of not only the members of his immediate pastorate, but of all who know him, that he may be permitted to labor many years and live to see even more abundant fruits.

ROBERT A. HILDEBRAND, M. D. It cannot be other than gratifying to note that in York county are to be found many citizens, representative in their respective fields of en- deavor, who have been here resident from the time of their birth and who stand as scions of substantial pioneer stock. Of this worthy con- tingent is Dr. Hildebrand, who is one of the skilled physicians and surgeons of his native county, and one of its popular and public-spir- ited young men, being established in an excel- lent practice in the attractive village of Glen Rock.

Dr. Hildebrand was born in the town of Loganville, York county, March 19, 1872, a son of Deitrich and Maria (Leader) Hilde- brand, both of whom were likewise born and reared in that county. For many years they have been numbered among the highly esteemed citizens of Loganville, where the father has been engaged at his trade, that of a shoemaker, during the major portion of his active business career. For the past thirty years he has also been an incumbent of the office of justice of the peace, in which he has served with signal abil- ity and fidelity, commanding the respect and confidence of all with whom he has had deal- ings. He has ever been a stalwart Republi- can in his political proclivities and has been an active worker in its local ranks, while both he and his wife are prominent and valued mem- ers of the Reformed Church in their home town and for a number of years past he has been a member of the official board of the church. His children are three in number, namely: Dr. Charles G., who is a representative physician of the county, being engaged in practice in Lo- ganville; Anna, who is the wife of Moses M. Snyder, a well-known musician of that place ; and Dr. Robert A. Caspar Hildebrand, the grandfather of the Doctor, was the founder of the family in York county, where he located

when a young man. He was of German lineage and by trade a shoemaker. Both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Ness and who was born and reared in York county, died in Loganville, where they had maintained their home for many years.

Dr. Robert A. Hildebrand passed his boy- hood days in his native town, in whose public schools he secured his preliminary educational discipline, making such an effective use of the opportunities there offered that, after graduat- ing from the Loganville High school, he be- came eligible for pedagogic honors, and suc- cessfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of the county for a period of five years. In 1888 he entered the State Normal school at Millersville, where he remained as a student for two years. Having, in the meantime, de- termined to adopt the medical profession as his vocation in life, he began his course of tech- nical reading under the preceptorship of his brother, at Loganville, continuing his studies under these conditions until the autumn of 1892, when he was matriculated at the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., where he completed the prescribed course and was graduated with his professional degree as a member of the class of 1895. Shortly after his graduation the Doctor located in Glen Rock, where he has since been established in practice and where he has made a distinctive success and a high reputation in his chosen sphere of endeavor. For six years he was associated in practice with Dr. George P. Yost, and since that partnership was dissolved he has con- ducted his practice individually, receiving a representative support and having made a rec- ord which fully establishes his prestige and success in his chosen profession. He is a mem- ber of the York County Medical Society, and also of the Knights of Pythias and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, while he gives his allegiance to the Republican party in matters political.

On the 23rd of June, 1896, Dr. Hildebrand was united in marriage to Lucy Stermer, who was born and reared in York county, being a daughter of John Stermer, who is a representa- tive citizen of Hametown, York county, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. Dr. and Mrs. Hildebrand have one child-a son, Claire S., who was born on the 13th of June. 1898.

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HON. JOHN F. EVANS, representative eral years and served as chief burgess. He from the Upper district of York county, and now resides in York where he lives a retired a man of prominence and influence in Frank- life. The children born to him were: Lilly, lin township, was born Aug. 15, 1878, son of John W. and Elizabeth (Kinter) Evans.

Joseph Evans, grandfather of John F., was a wagonmaker and farmer. He had five chil- dren : John W., George, Joseph, Margaret and Mary. They were Lutherans in religious be- lief, and he was a Whig in politics.

John W. Evans was born in Franklin township, received a common school educa- tion, and learned the wagonmaker's trade with his father, following this occupation for sev- eral years. He then purchased a farm which he is now successfully operating. He married Elizabeth Kinter, daughter of Michael Kinter, and to this union five children have been born : Emma, who married George Berkheimer; Amanda, who married George Bowman; Sadie, married to Monroe Wiley; John F., twin of Sadie; and Harry M., a teacher. Mr. Evans enlisted in June, 1862, for service in the Civil war. He is a member of the U. B. Church. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and he has held the offices of assessor, school director, auditor and township treasurer. For twenty-two years he taught school, becoming very well known as an educator.

John F. Evans was educated in the district schools, and at the age of eighteen years com- menced teaching school. He has followed that as a profession up to the present time, and is well and favorably known. In 1904 he was elected on the Republican ticket, by a large majority, representative of the northern part of York county, being the first Republican ever elected to that position. Mr. Evans is not married.

WALTER D. BAHN, ex-president of the First National Bank of New Freedom, has spent his entire life in York county. He was born Jan. 20, 1876, son of Milton W. and Ellen S. (Emig) Bahn. David Bahn, his grandfather, was a York county farmer and the father of four children : Milton W., father of Walter D .: Elnora, who married David .Strickler: Caroline, wife of William Dietz, and one who died in infancy. Milton W. Bahn was a merchant and railroad agent ( for many years stationed at New Freedom), and was also general manager of the Stewartstown branch of the Northern Central Railroad. He was also postmaster of New Freedom for sev-

deceased ; Corrinne E., deceased; Arthur and Walter D.

Walter D. Bahn attended the public schools of New Freedom, after which he attended the academy at Shrewsbury, the high school at York and the business college at Baltimore, graduating from the last named on April 5, 1895. For one year he clerked at New Free- dom in the Northern Central Railroad office, in April, 1896, embarking in the general mer- chandise business with a Mr. Gore, under the firm name of Gore & Bahn. This partner- ship was dissolved April 1, 1900, since which time Mr. Bahn has engaged in the milling, flour and feed business, in which he has been eminently successful.

The First National Bank of New Freedom was organized April II, 1903, with a capital stock of $50,000, and Mr. Bahn was chosen its head, enjoying the distinction of being the youngest bank president in the State. Mr. Bahn also has other interests, being a stock- holder and director of the White Hall Milling Company, of White Hall. Md. Fraternally he is connected with the Shrewsbury Lodge of A. F. & A. M., Knights of Pythias, Red Men and Junior Order of American Mechanics. Mr. Bahn attends the Reformed Church of York, of which he is a liberal supporter. He has been very successful and has gained position of highest importance 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 judgment has led him to regard as beneficial. He is universally esteemed and occupies a high social position.

Mr. Bahn has an interesting family record on his mother's side, his grandfather being Jolin Emig, who was a merchant and farmer residing at Emigsville. His children were: William H .: Edward K .; J. Albert : Louisa. who married John Bollinger; Emma J., who married John Ruby; Ellen, the mother of Walter D. Bahn: Mary J .: Belle: Flora A., who married A. K. Dice; and Alice, the wife of Frank Shenberger.

RALPH A. HARDING, M. D., a leading physician of Lewisberry, Newberry township. York county, was born in Washington, D. C .. Sept. 12, 1872, son of Josiah F. and Annie

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

(Watt) Harding. His grandfather was a na- tive of the State of Maine and a farmer by occupation. He served in the Legislature with James G. Blaine.

Josiah F. Harding, born in 1843 in Maine, was a soldier in the Civil war. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1873, he was hold- ing a government position at Washington, D. C., where his widow still resides. He married Annie Watt, daughter of James Watt, and the children born to them were: Frank E., who resides in Washington, D. C .; James, who died at the age of eleven months ; and Ralph A., our subject.

Ralph A. Harding was born Sept. 12, 1872. He attended the public schools of his native place, then went to the high school, and graduated from Columbia University in 1895, with high honors. He commenced practice in Washington, D. C., locating later at Port Clin- ton, Schuylkill county, where he followed his profession until 1898, when he removed to York. Remaining there until September, 1903, he then removed to Lewisberry borough, succeeding J. C. Stern, whom he bought out. His practice is a large one, and is increasing steadily as his skill is being recognized.

In 1896 Dr. Harding married Jean B. Forster, daughter of Thomas W. Forster, of Clinton county. Dr. Harding, on leaving York, resigned the position of secretary of the York County Medical Society, which he had held for some time. In politics the Doctor is a Republican, but he has never aspired to pub- lic office. Both in the profession and in social life he stands very high.

WILLIAM N. MORNINGSTAR, a well known and highly respected citizen of North York borough, superintendent of the Prospect Hill cemetery, which position has descended to him from his grandfather and father, was born in 1867, at North York borough, son of Michael and Mary ( Hess) Morningstar.

Peter Morningstar, the great-grandfather of William N., was a native of Germany, and coming to America with his family landed in New York City, where he remained a short time. He later removed to Longstown, York Co., Pa., and from there removed to Mifflin county. where he followed farming all his life.

Michael Morningstar, the grandfather of our subject, came to America with his father at the age of six years. He followed farming

and day laboring until 1852, when he took charge of Prospect Hill cemetery as superin- tendent, holding that position for twenty-eight years, until he passed away, in 1881, at the age of sixty-six years. Michael Morningstar mar- ried Elizabeth Warner, who survived him until 1888, and they are both buried in the Prospect Hill cemetery. The following named chil- dren were born to this marriage: Louisa mar- ried Franklin Ettinger; Jeremiah is deceased ; John died in infancy; Michael is the father of William N .; Sallie married the late David E. Horn, and resides in York.

Michael Morningstar, the father of Will- iam N., received his education in York, and worked for his father until, at the latter's death, he himself became superintendent. Mr. Morningstar held that position for eighteen years, and is still engaged at the cemetery. In 1866 Mr. Morningstar married Mary Hess, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Eermine) Hess, and children were born to them as follows: William N. is the subject of this sketch; Annie married Charles Zeigler, and resides in Balti- more; Bertha married Samuel Horn, and re- sides in North York; Sallie married William H. Baldwin, Jr., and resides in York; Elmer married Alma Omer, and they live in York: Edward married a Miss Quickel, and lives in York: Lucy, Harry and Robert are all resid- ing at York. The family are members of the Duke Street M. E. Church.

Mr. Morningstar is a stanch Republican in political sympathy. In 1861 he enlisted, at York, for a term of three years, in Company K, 87th Reg., Pa. Vols., and served three years and twenty-one days, during which time he took part in many engagements, among the most important being the battle of the Wilder- ness and the operations at Petersburg. For bravery in battle he was made corporal, and as stich was mustered out Sept. 13, 1864.

William N. Morningstar attended the schools of Manchester township until thirteen years of age and then worked two years at the carpenter's trade. Later engaging with his father at the cemetery, he was, on April I, 1899. appointed superintendent to succeed his father. The first burial after William N. Morningstar's appointment occurred on April 3, 1899, when Peter Fisher was interred. The cemetery is a large one, there being 15,550 persons buried there (1905), but though the duties of superintendent are many Mr. Morn-

Nana CNCMorningstar

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ingstar has attended to them with satisfaction to the people of the community and with credit to himself.

On April 12, 1894, Mr. Morningstar mar- ried Prudence E. Dielil, of North York. They are members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of North York. Fraternally Mr. Morningstar is a popular member of York Castle, No. 34, A. O. K. of M. C., of York, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. at York. In political sympathy he is a Republican, and he is a school director of North York borough. He is a man highly respected everywhere for his many sterling traits of character.

DAVID W. CRIDER is the veteran pub- lisher of York, whose marriage certificates are used all over the country and even in foreign lands. He is also a Civil war veteran, and en- joys the unique distinction of being recorded in the War Department at Washington, D. C., as killed in the battle of Antietam; and at the same time drawing a pension as one of the disabled survivors of a regiment mustered out at the close of the war. Although left for dead on the field of Antietam and reported among the killed, he "lived to fight another day," and saw service in all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac.

Mr. Crider is of German descent, his early ancestors in this country being prominent in the section where they settled. His grandfather, Christian Crider, was a farmer of Franklin county, and his father, Jacob Crider, also a farmer, moved from that county to Cumber- land county where he died in 1888, at the age of seventy-eight. Jacob Crider married Cath- erine Mower, daughter of John Mower, a farmer of Cumberland county. Their children were as follows : Henry M., who died in Octo- ber, 1903, at the age of sixty-four; John M., a farmer and cattle raiser of Oregon, Mo., who. died Feb. 16, 1906, at the age of seventy-one ; Sarah Sabina, wife of Joseph McCune, a farmer of Longford, Kans, ; and David W.

David W. Crider was born May 22, 1842, near Chambersburg, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a few miles south of the birthplace of James Buchanan, at one time President of the United States, while several miles northeast was the cottage in which Thomas Scott, the great railroad manager, first saw the light of day. He attended the Lebanon Valley College, but left school before gradua- tion, and engaged in the publishing business

with the firm of Kephart, Crider & Brother. For five years he traveled for this house, and in 1870, on the retirement of Mr. Kephart, the firm became Crider & Brother. In 1876 David W. Crider bought out the interest of his brother, Henry M., but continued the busi- ness under the same name, as he does at pres- ent. The main business of the concern is the publishing of lithographical marriage certifi- cates, and the output carries the name of York from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and to more distant lands than are reached by any other in- dustry of the place. One clergyman of San Francisco has used 1,000 of the Crider & Brother certificates since 1895.

The military career of Mr. Crider is one of the most remarkable in the annals of the Civil war. He enlisted as a private for nine months' service in Company E, 130th P. V. I. This regiment was engaged in the fiercest part of the fight at Antietam, and Mr. Crider, wounded in the neck and leg, was left for dead on the battle field. A friend dragged him off the field, and he recovered sufficiently to enlist again, although he was officially dead, accord- ing to the War. Department records, which have never been corrected in this particular. Mr. Crider re-enlisted in Company F. 207th P. V. I., became quarter-master sergeant, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war, after having participated in all the en- gagements of the Army of the Potomac. He was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. He secured a pension on ac- count of disabilities received during these cam- paigns.

On Dec. 24, 1870, Mr. Crider married Sarah Catherine Spangler, daughter of Na- thaniel Spangler, a farmer of Thomasville, York county. The children of this marriage are as follows: Horace W., a graduate of Lebanon Valley College, in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railway Co., at Homestead, Pa .: Charles E., a graduate of the York high school, employed as a traveling salesman ; Flora Irene, a graduate of the York high school, and wife of John S. Klein, an elec -. trician, in St. Louis, Mo .; David N., a grad- uate of the York high school, and of the Scran- ton Correspondence School, and now secre- tary of the York School Board; Sadie C., at home ; and Lillie M., a teacher in the public schools of York, both the latter being grad- uates of the York high school.

The publishing business of Mr. Crider, in-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

terfered with by the Civil war, was resumed he has since devoted his entire time to pro- at the close of that struggle, and has since fessional work, building up a large and luera- tive practice. In 1904 Dr. Wagner built a substantial brick office building, which he has fitted out with all the modern improvements and appliances of the profession. been carried on with uninterrupted success. Just before the death of President Mckinley. Mr. Crider was named for the position of post- master at York, endorsed by all the banks of the city, but did not receive the appointment. On Feb. 15, 1883, Dr. Wagner was mar- ried to Miss Martha J. Stewart, of Philadel- phia, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Stuart) Stewart, both of whom are of Scotch-Irish extraction. One son has been born to this union,-Neven S., born May 10, 1884. He belongs to Gen. Sedgwick Post, No. 37, G. A. R., of York, and has held every office in the gift of the Post, and since 1899 has been the inspector-at-large for York county, giving much time to the interest of this noble Order. He is a member of the Royal Ar- canum, and of the Knights of Malta. For many years he was president of the board of trustees of Lebanon Valley College, where he was the first student to apply for admission from York. He is a member of the First United Brethren Church of York, where for years he has served as trustee. In politics he is a Republican, and zealous in his devotion to his party's interests, as he is in whatever lie undertakes.

WILLIAM H. WAGNER, M. D., who for many years has been a prominent physician of York, is a native of Pennsylvania, and is one of the well-known and highly respected mem- bers of the profession in York county, where he has lived most of his life.

Dr. Wagner is descended from German ancestors, the family originally coming from Hessen-Cassel, Germany. George Wagner, the grandfather of our subject, was a gun- smith by trade and married Miss Berkheimer. His son Joseph was born near Abbottstown, in 1824, conducted a meat market for a number of years, and he died in 1884. Joseph Wagner married Levina Lauer, born in West Man- chester township in 1828, daughter of Abra- ham Lauer, who followed farming all his life. Her death occurred in 1860.

Dr. William H. Wagner was born Dec. 26, 1853, near Dover, in Dover township, York county, and received his primary educa- tion in the district schools, supplementing this later with a course at the York County Acad- emmy. He then began teaching school, contin- uing in this occupation for seven years in Dover township. For some time he read med- icine with Dr. Jacob R. Spangler of York and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, with the class of 1881. In 1881 he commenced practicing in York, where

Dr. Wagner is a member of the York County Medical Society, Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. For two years he was a mem- ber of the city council. Fraternally he is con- nected with the B. P. O. Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights of Pythias, and with York Conclave, No. 124, Improved Order of Heptasophs. His fine residence is located at No. 306 North Newberry street.

JOSEPH MYERS, of Washington town- ship, is active both as a successful business man and in the administration of the public affairs of his locality. He belongs to a family numer- ously and ereditably represented in York coun- ty, and he has endeavored to worthily sustain a worthy name.

Christian Myers, his grandfather, was a na- tive of York county, and was only a young man when he settled in Washington township, where he carried on farming and milling, building the well-known Iron Rock Mill, also known as Myers' Mill. It was burned down Sept. 13, 1904. He lived to the advanced age of eighty. Christian Myers married Catherine Stauffer, and they became the parents of children as follows : Michael, Abraham, David, Christian, Rebecca (who first married Mr. Asper and second Joseph Gochenauer) and Lydia ( wife of Daniel Brown). The par- ents were both members of the Mennonite Church, and they are buried at the Mennonite meeting-house in Dover township.

David Myers, father of Joseph, was born July 30, 1817, in Washington township, and grew to manhood there, receiving his educa- tion in the local public schools. Like his father lie followed farming and milling and was a prosperous business man, retiring fifteen years

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before his death, which occurred when he was eighty-two years old. He, too, was a Men- nonite in religious faith, and he assisted in the building of the meeting-house in Dover town- ship, at which he is buried. He married Maria Gochenauer, who was born March 3, 1823, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Leathery) Gochenauer, who were born Aug. 2, 1799, and July 17, 1802, respectively. A family of twelve children blessed the union of David and Maria (Gochenauer) Myers, namely : Mary, born March 23, 1841, is deceased. Sarah, born March 25, 1843, is deceased. Susan, born March 6, 1845, was the wife of Jonas Asper, and is deceased. Rebecca, born July 3, 1847, was the wife of Peter J. Detter, and is de- ceased. Catherine, born Sept. 30, 1849, died unmarried. Eliza, born July 29, 1851, died young. Joseph, born Jan. 5, 1853, is men- tioned farther on. Lavina, born March 7, 1855, is the deceased wife of Amos Chronaster. Lydia, born Dec. 4, 1857, is the wife of John Renicker, and lives in Wellsville, Pa. Jonas, born April 26, 1860, died in 1901. Dala, born Jan. 26, 1862, is the wife of Lewis Weaver, and they reside at Weigelstown, in Dover township, York county. Maria, born Jan. I, 1865, is the wife of George Wise, assessor of Washington township.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 90

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