History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 91

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

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Joseph Myers was born Jan. 5, 1853, in Washington township, and was brought up there, receiving his education in the schools of the locality, which he attended until he was nineteen years old. Meantime he became familiar with farm work while assisting his father, and spent one summer in Lancaster county, where he frequently visits even to this day. He was but twenty when he married and settled on his father's farm at Kralltown, where he remained for two years, thence go- ing to Warrington township. After a five years' residence there he returned to the old home in Washington township, upon which he continued until he came to his present place in 1889. He bought it in 1902, having ninety- seven acres of land, which he cultivates practically and scientifically, the results demon- strating the wisdom of his methods. The place formerly belonged to his father, but to the present occupant must be given credit for the fine barn and other outbuildings which now adorn the property. Everything is kept up with an eye for thrift and neatness which at- tracts the attention of the most casual observer.

Mr. Myers is energetic and fully alive to the needs of the community, and having a pro- gressive spirit he is willing to do his share to bring about beneficial changes and needed re- forms. His executive ability is as evident in public service as it has been in the manage- ment of his private affairs. He has been town- ship supervisor, was school director four years, and has represented his township as delegate and committeeman. He is a prominent mem- ber of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Red Run, served eight years as deacon, and is now a trustee, taking the same interest in church af- fairs that he displays in all his relations with his fellowmen. He is a stanch Democrat in political opinion. As an all-around good citi- zen, one who can be depended upon to support a good cause with words and work, Mr. Myers has few equals in his neighborhood.

Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Emma E. Wise, daughter of Harry and Eliza- beth (Thoman) Wise, and a member of an old York county family. They are the parents of fourteen children, of whom we have the fol- lowing record : Charles F., born Jan. 17, 1874, died April 16, 1884, and is buried at Red Run Church. Mazzie M., born in March, 1875, died in March, 1875. David E., born March 15, 1876, died March 29, 1876. Harry J., born June 12, 1877, is a truck farmer in Wash- ington township; he married Minnie Hoke. John C., born Aug. 14, 1878, died Aug. 30, 1878. Gertrude B., born Sept. 18, 1879, is the wife of Jacob F. Nickey, of West York, ·Pa., high constable of the borough and a me- chanic in the Martin Carriage Works. Emma E., born Nov. 19, 1880, is the wife of Jacob H. Deardorff, and lives at No. 519 North Hartley street, in York. Joseph C., born May 14, 1882, died Dec. 22, 1882. Daisy A., born Jan. 9, 1884, is unmarried and at home. Wil- liam C., born March 20, 1885, died Nov. 1.4. 1885. Chester A., born Aug. 16, 1886. died Dec. 7, 1891. Allen E., born Oct. 28, 1888, is at home. Bruce R., born April 19, 1891, is at home. Melvin Floy. born Dec. 9, 1893, was killed July 15, 1902, while riding a horse home from Kralltown, the horse falling on him.

WILLIAM EDWARD KOCH, jeweler of York, is a descendant of a family prominent in the history of York county since the time of the early settlement. Johannes Koch, his

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

great-great-grandfather, emigrated from Ger- ceased wife of John W. Mullen, a paper manu- many, landed in Baltimore in 1745, and soon facturer of St. Joseph, Mich .; Francis Henry, a hardware merchant of Minneapolis, Minn .; Sue, living with her brother; and William Ed- ward. afterward settled in Dover township, in York county. He died in the year 1783. John Michael Koch, his son, enlisted as a soldier during the early part of the Revolution and in 1777 entered the cavalry service with Gen. Armand, when that French patriot came to York to recruit his legion. He participated with this command in several hard fought bat- tles, remaining in service until the end of the war. John Michael Koch became an influential citizen of York, and lived until 1849. The sword which he carried in the cavalry service during the Revolution was presented by his descendants to the Historical Society of York county.

Dr. Francis Koch, son of John Michael Koch, and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a leading physician in Hellam township and later in the borough of York for nearly half a century. He had his office for many years on the west side of North Beaver street, near Market. Later in life he moved to the southeast corner of Market and Beaver, where he died in the year 1861. In this build- ing for nearly half a century his son, William Koch, carried on the jewelry business, and for a time had associated with him his brother Ed- win Koch, who was major of the 5th Mary- land Regiment in the Civil war. Dr. Koch was married to Nancy, the daughter of Abram Hiestand, of Hellam township, and had three sons and three daughters.

Dr. Francis A. H. Koch, the eldest son, and father of William Edward Koch, was born in York Aug. 31, 1830. Early in life he at- tended the York County Academy for several years, and he completed his medical education at the University of Maryland. His father practiced medicine in Hellam, North Codorus and York. During the last fifteen years of his life he was one of the leading physicians of Hanover, where he served several terms as chief burgess and school director, and died there in the year 1892.

Dr. Koch (our subject's father) married Anna Maria, daughter of Abraham Dehuff, founder of the jewelry establishment later owned by his grandson, William Edward Koch. They had seven children : Francis who died in infancy ; Virginia, wife of Wilbur C. Lieb, of Hanover, Pa. ; Annie Elizabeth, wife of John B. King, of York; Helen Grace, de-

The Dehuff family settled early in Lancas- ter county, where Abraham Dehuff, father of Abraham Dehuff the jeweler, had his home. The first Abraham Dehuff, who emigrated to this country from France, married Elizabeth Sitler, whose father, Matthias Sitler, was the owner of large tracts of land in Baltimore, Md. Some of this land was leased by Mr. Sitler for terms of ninety-nine years, and thus originated the system of "ground rents" still in vogue in Baltimore. Family tradition has it that Matthias Sitler presented to George Washington $75,000 in cash during the Revo- lutionary war, and, furthermore, that the Father of his Country held the child Elizabeth Sitler in his arms at York. Elizabeth Dehuff died at Harrisburg in 1834.

Abraham Dehuff (2) founded the jewelry store on West Market street in 1830, and lived in the old historic house until 1895, when he died at the age of ninety-eight. He was more than an ordinary jeweler or mechanic-his skill amounted to genius. At the State Ex- position held at Harrisburg in 1855 he was awarded a bronze medal (now in the posses- sion of the subject of this sketch) for a minia- ture watch, the case of which he had worked out of a three-cent piece, and the works of which were perfect and kept perfect time. Three of these tiny watches were completed by Mr. Dehuff and the incomplete portions of a fourth are among the most cherished posses- sions of his grandson. One of the completed watches was purchased by H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, now King Edward VII, when on a visit to this country ; another was presented to President Buchanan, and is now in the Smith- sonian Institution in Washington; and the third was stolen from Mr. Dehuff.

His wife, Maria Lynch, of Winchester, Va., died in 1887, and is interred in the family burying lot, Prospect Hill cemetery.

William Edward Koch, born in Hanover, Pa., Jan. 29, 1876, was educated in the schools of that borough. He was apprenticed to the jewelry trade with William Boadenhamer, of Hanover, and remained there four years. Next coming to York, on March 27, 1895, he purchased from his uncle, Henry K. Dehuff,

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the jewelry business established by his grand- campaign of 1905: T. Tyrrell, civil engineer, father, Abraham Dehuff, on West Market street, and in addition he started business, on Nov. 15, 1904, at the southeast corner of Mar- ket and Beaver streets, where at the present time he owns one of the finest and most centrally located stores in the city, as well as an old established stand formerly occupied by William Koch.

Mr. Koch is one of the best-known busi- ness men of York, where he is noted for his progressive ideas and his liberality. He is a prominent man in fraternal circles, and in 1900 was the youngest thirty-second degree Mason in Pennsylvania. He is a member of Zeredatha Lodge, No. 451. Howell Chapter, No. 199. York Commandery, K. T., No. 21, Harrisburg Consistory, thirty-second degree, and Zembo Temple, and also belongs to York Lodge, No. 213, B. P. O. E. He was one of the con- spicuous figures in the great Masonic conclave held in York in May, 1904. In politics Mr. Koch is a Republican. He is a member of the Emanuel Reformed Church at Hanover. At present unmarried, with his business ability he has one of the brightest futures before him for a successful career a young man in the prime of life can wish.

J. D. HEIGES, D. D. S., was born in September, 1833, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Mumper) Heiges. Dr. Heiges assisted his father in cabinet making and chair manufac- turing at Dillsburg until 1854, when he began the study of dentistry under Dr. Benny, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland Co., Pa. He re- mained with Dr. Benny for several years, and then located in York with Dr. Thomas Tyrrell, with whom he remained until the fall of 1858, when he entered the Baltimore Dental College. After attending the first sessions he assumed the practice of dentistry, and subsequently re- turned to the college for the sessions of 1862-63, graduating in the fall of the last named year. He then returned to York, where he has since been engaged in practice with great success.

Dr. Heiges was married in September, 1867, to Annie C. Smith, daughter of William and Mary E. (Boyer) Smith, of York. The eight children born of this marriage were as follows: W. Smith, a druggist of York, and honored by his party with the Democratic nomination for mayor of York in the spring

and superintendent of sewer construction, York; J. Charles. a machinist of the York Manufacturing Company; Philip Boyer, who died of typhoid fever in 1898. aged twenty- two years: Horace M .. engaged in line con- struction between Pleasantville and Atlantic City, N. J., for a time, and now in a similar business at Hollywood, Cal .; Jay Clifford, whose term in the U. S. Navy expired May 27, 1894; Aimee E., wife of William A. Sponsler, manager of a traction company at Middletown, N. Y .; and Robert Raymond, decorator at P. Wiest's Sons' department store.

Dr. Heiges is a member of St. John's Epis- copal Church, in which he has been vestryman for many years. He is identified with the York County Historical Society, and is one of the most prominent members of the Ma- sonic fraternity in York, enjoying the distinc- tion of being the only charter member now connected with York Commandery, there being a period of thirteen years between him and the next oldest past commander. He also belongs to the Harris Dental Society. Enjoying a dental practice that keeps his hands and thoughts engaged almost all of his waking hours, Dr. Heiges is of such a genial nature that professional cares sit lightly upon him; and he is never so busy as not to have a pleas- ant smile and encouraging word for all who call upon him.

EDWARD E. JOHNSON is senior mem- ber of the firm of Edward E. Johnson & Co., engaged in the grain, flour, feed and straw business at Nos. 12 to 27 North Pennsylvania street, York, Pa. In this important enterprise he is associated with his cousin, David H., and they are successors of the firm of Bender & Johnson.

Mr. Johnson was born near Kabletown, Jefferson county, W. Va., Dec. 23. 1860, son of James M. and Catherine (Able) Johnson, both of whom were also natives of West Vir- ginia, which had not been segregated from the Old Dominion until after the birth of Edward E., who was born in the period of political unrest leading up to the great Civil war.

James M. Johnson was a prominent and influential business man and highly honored citizen of Jefferson county, where he was in- terested in several industrial enterprises of im-

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

portance, while he also owned a considerable amount of valuable property in Kabletown. He was a stalwart Democrat in his political proclivities and both he and his wife held mem- bership in the M. E. Church South. The latter was born in Hampshire county. West Va., and she was summoned into eternal rest in 1898, while her husband passed away in 1902, hon- ored as one of the sterling citizens of his State and county and standing high as a man of affairs.

Edward E. Johnson was educated in the public schools of his home county, and later continued his studies in Kable academy, in Charlestown, W. Va., where he completed a preparatory collegiate course. He determined, however, to identify himself with practical business affairs, and to complete his education under the direction of that wisest of all head- masters, experience. His father was a prom- inent manufacturer of woolen wear in Kable- town, and Edward entered the mills, finally taking charge of the weaving department and retaining this position about eighteen months. In 1880 he came to York and entered the em- ploy of Michael B. Spahr, in the wholesale boot and shoe business, remaining thus en- gaged for four years, and having practically had charge of the establishment. He then engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, in which line he became associated with Jacob W. and John C. Spangler, under the firm name of Spangler Bros. & Johnson. This connection continued until 1886, when Mr. Johnson en- gaged in the dairy business, conducting it for the ensuing seven years. In 1893 he formed a partnership with Martin Bender, under the title of Martin Bender & Co., thus continuing for about nine years, when he purchased Mr. Bender's interests and formed a partnership with his cousin, David H., under the title noted in the opening paragraph of this article, the nature of the business being also indicated in that connection. The partners are straightfor- ward. reliable and progressive business men, and have founded a most prosperous enterprise, which is both wholesale and retail in character, an especially large business being controlled in the handling of flour and grain. In politics Mr. Johnson is an uncompromising Democrat, thus holding to the ancestral faith, and he takes a lively and intelligent interest in the party cause. In 1902 Mr. Johnson was one of those prom- inently concerned in the promoting and organ-

izing of the Merchants' Association of York, having been its treasurer since its inception. He has an attractive modern residence at No. 430 West Philadelphia street, and both he and his wife are held in high regard in social cir- cles, while both are valued members of the Heidelberg Reformed Church.

In January, 1883, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Johnson to Miss Laura C. Hedges, who was born and reared in Frederick county, Md., and they have two daughters, Edith, who is a graduate of the York High School, and who is now the wife of Prof. A. Lee Shullen- berger, a teacher in that institution ; and Grace E., who is a student in the city schools.

FISCHER FAMILY. Gotlieb Fischer was born about the year 1740, of German par- entage. At the present time the date of his advent in York county is not definitely known, nor is the exact time of the arrival of the fam- ily in America. Later researches, however, which are now in progress, afford promise of tracing his ancestry back several generations. The earliest record of him at this time is found in a deed bearing the date of May 23, 1767, conveying to him a tract of 14234 acres of land in Newberry township, York county, pur- chased from John Herr, of Strasburg, Lancas- ter county, Pennsylvania Province. This land was situated along the Big Conewago creek. Here he resided until he secured from David Davis, Nov. 12, 1783, 242 acres of land bear- ing patent date Feb. 16, 1737, signed by John Penn. This second tract was located in Fish- ing Creek Valley (now Fairview township), three and one-half miles north of Goldsboro. By trade he was a miller, which occupation he pursued, in connection with that of farming, until his removal to Fishing Creek Valley, thereafter devoting his time wholly to cultivat- ing his land.

Gotlieb Fischer married Ursula, daughter of Peter Hoffstodt, a resident of the same valley. Seven children were the result of this union, as follows: David (I) married Bar- bara Roop; Catherine married Joseph Fetrow ; Barbara married Peter Roop; Hester married Christopher Kerr; Christina married John Roop: Samuel married Barbara Sutton; and Gotlieb, Jr., married Abigail Oren.

Gotlieb Fischer's death occurred in 1792. It was customary in those days for landhold- ers to have private burying-grounds on their

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farms, for themselves and for the relatives of the family. A small plot to be devoted to this purpose had been provided by him a short dis- tance from his dwelling, at the crossroads. Here sleep three generations of the family, himself, his son David and David's son Jacob. His wife survived him about forty years, when she met a violent death, being viciously gored by an animal.

At the death of Gotlieb Fischer, Joseph Fetrow and Conrad Gram were appointed ad- ministrators of his estate. His eldest son Da- vid took the farm at the appraisement, the transfer being confirmed by the court June 29, 1796.

In 1798 David Fischer (I) married Bar- bara, daughter of Jacob Roop, of Swatara township, Dauphin county, whose ancestry dates back prior to 1700. About 1800 he owned more than 800 acres of land in the locality where he lived. The house and barn which he built on the homestead farm in 1814-16 are still standing, and although nearly a century lias elapsed since their construction they are in an excellent state of preservation and are monuments to his memory. From 1800 to 1825 much of his time was engaged in the business of "wagoning," as it was termed in those days. It was prior to the era of railroads and canals, and as there was no means of trans- portation the farmer was compelled to haul his surplus grain and produce to the Philadelphia and Baltimore markets, the round trip usually occupying ten days. David Fischer's team was reputed to have been the finest on the road.

David Fischer (I) was the father of eleven children, a number of whom lived to advanced life. They were estimable people, highly re- spected for their honesty, their keen sense of justice, and their industry, and they wielded a strong influence throughout the community. The names of his children and the names of those whom they married were as follows.

(I) Jacob, born Nov. 24, 1799, married Mary Mathias, and they had children : Bar- bara, Susan, Sarah, Nancy, Mary, Lizzie, Me- linda and Jeremiah, the last named to-day own- ing and living upon the homestead farm which has been handed down to successive genera- tions and has been in the family name for 122 years.

(2) John, born Feb. 20, 1801, married Sarah Kirk, and had children : Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Clara, Jolin K., William, Zacharias and Lucinda.

(3) David M. Fisher ( II), son of David (I) and Barbara ( Roop) Fischer (it was dur- ing this generation that the letter "c" was omitted ), was born Jan. 23, 1803, in Fishing Creek Valley. During his youth he divided his time between the common schools and the farm. Later he learned the trade of shoemak- ing, with a firm in Harrisburg, Pa., returning- .to the valley at the expiration of his apprentice- ship to begin business for himself. On Feb. 15, 1827, he married Mary Miller, daughter of Henry Miller, of the same county and town- ship. After his marriage he bought the farm on which the Salem ( Stone) Church was sub- sequently erected, and began farming in con- nection with his business of shoemaking. He was instrumental in the building of this church and contributed the land on which it stands. From its very inception to the close of his four score years he was one of its most active mem- bers and strongest supporters, holding official positions for many years. The children of David M. (II) and Mary (Miller) Fisher were :

(I) Martin M., born Feb. 18, 1829. mar- ried Lealı Spangler, and had children : WVes- ley, David, Mary, Elmer, Morris, Charles, Curtin, Grant, Martin, Jr., and Daisy.

(II) Lydia, born June 17, 1830, married Napoleon Keister, and had children : Matilda, Julius, Mary, Margaret and Jacob.

(III) WILLIAM MILLER FISHER, son of David M. (II) and Mary (Miller) Fisher. was born Nov. 8, 1831, in Fishing Creek Val- ley, York Co., Pa. In 1854 he married Ann Maria, eldest daughter of Michael and Jane (Seward) Shuler, of the same place. Michael Shuler was a well-to-do farmer, highly es- teemed for his integrity, whose ancestors came from Amsterdam, Holland, Sept. 5, 1730, and settled in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. Shortly after his marriage William M. Fisher removed to Yocumtown, York county, where he engaged in the business of cabinetmaking and building. As a cabinetmaker he attained a high degree of efficiency, and was known throughout the county for his skillful work- manship. During the Civil war, when patriot- ism ran high and the heart of every loyal citi- zen throbbed for his country's safety, he en- listed March 8, 1865, in the 192d Regiment, P. V. I., Company K, and served until the close of the struggle, receiving his discharge Aug. 24, 1865. Returning home, he resumed his chosen occupation and continued therein until

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the time of his death, July 3, 1870. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and was one of the class-leaders and superintendent of the Sunday-school. At the age of thirty- eight years death came to him most unexpect- edly, while he was performing his duties as superintendent. He had announced the open- ing hymn, and had just finished the reading of the first two lines :

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound In a believer's car!

when he sank to the floor, fatally stricken by apoplexy. He never spoke again, and at the end of fifteen minutes his spirit winged its flight to the realms of the Heavenly Father whom he had so faithfully served. He was survived by a wife and seven children. In 1876 the family removed to Harrisburg, Pa., which is still their place of residence. His widow survived him many years, and during all these years, in the spirit of motherhood, she cared for her own with tenderness and love, bringing up all of her children under the pious influence of a Christian home. She lived her life for God and her children. The union of William M. and Ann Maria (Shuler) Fisher was blessed with the following children: Al- bert S., a prominent tinner, connected with the firm of Fisher Bros .. Harrisburg, Pa., died Feb. 4, 1899; on Aug. 4, 1886, he married Mary Callender, by whom he had the follow- ing children: Edwin L., Annie I., Albert E. and Norman C. Jennie S. married Landis Bratten, and had the following family of chil- dren : Helen, Robert, Ruth and Esther. Ed- ward Dixon is living in Wooster, Ohio, where he is the leading saddler, also dealer in trunks, bags, etc .; on Jan. 9, 1883, he married Laura Miller, of Wooster, Ohio, and they have had two children, namely: Warren Donald and Florence May. Oscar S., born June 1, 1861, died July 5, 1863. William Seward, on the death of his father, William M., went to live with his grandfather, Michael Shuler, in Fish- ing Creek Valley, where he remained ten years; at the age of seventeen he left the farm and removed to Harrisburg, Pa., where he is engaged in the mercantile business: on Nov. 23, 1892, he was united in marriage with Fan- nie M., the only daughter of William H. and Amanda Wilhelm, most esteemed and highly respected residents of York. Pa., and to this marriage have been born : Seward Wilhelm,

Ethel Fahs and Mary Emma. Mary E., a graduate of the public schools of Harrisburg, Pa., also of Bloomsburg State Normal School, is at present a teacher in the public schools of Harrisburg, Pa. Curtis W. is a prominent plumber in the city of Harrisburg, Pa., being the head of the well-known firm of Fisher Bros., who make steam and hot water heating a specialty ; having grown up with the plumb- ing business he is quite popular locally as well as with the Pennsylvania State Association of Master Plumbers; on April 26. 1893, he was united in marriage with Lillie Banks, and to this union have been born: William Curtis and Margaret May. Margaret S. married J. J. Lybarger : they have had two children, Don- ald F. and Mildred F.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 91

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