History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 98

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

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tinued until 1901, when he disposed of his stock to Gemmill & Andrews, and has since been retired from active effort. In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Frey has car- ried on agricultural pursuits, owning three farms in Chanceford township-one of 150 acres, one of 100 acres and the third of seventy acres-and another good farm of 125 acres situated in Lower Chanceford township. All are valuable properties.

Mr. Frey has been identified with the leading business interests of this section of the county. He is a director in the First Na- tional Bank of Red Lion, and in the Southern Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has served on many township boards. He is a strong Democrat and cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Breckenridge. He was reared in the Reformed Church, but later united with the New Harmony Presbyterian Church at Brogueville, soon after locating in Chanceford township, and he has been an elder in the lat- ter for over fifteen years. His name represents in this section of York county, not only a man of large means, but one honored for upright- ness of character and who has gained a high measure of public esteem.

Mr. Frey was married March II, 1861, in Hopewell township, to Elizabeth Winemiller, daughter of Joseph and Mary Magdalena (Souder) Winemiller, of Hopewell township. They have no children.

JOHN WISE, a farmer living on the bor- ough limits of Red Lion, was born in Chance- ford township on a farm near Brogueville, Nov. 6, 1840, son of John and Elizabeth (Warner) Wise.

Henry Wise, grandfather of John, came to York county from Adams county and made his home near Airville, Lower Chanceford township, where he was both farmer and black- smith. He married a Miss Ellis, and both lived and died on their home farm.

John Wise, son of Henry and father of our subject, was born on his father's farm, and, as he reached manhood, followed the trade of a blacksmith. Later he moved to Chanceford township, commenced farming near Brogue- ville, and in his declining years lived in retire- ment in Winterstown, spending his last days at the home of his son John at Red Lion. He was eighty-one years old when he died. His first wife died in 1844, leaving the following

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

children : Christley, who lives near Freys- ville; Henry, residing on the farm in Chance- ford; Mary, Mrs. Adam Kauffman, who died near Dallastown ; Sarah, Mrs. Andrew J. War- ner, a widow, living in Chanceford township, and John. Two other children lived only a short time. Mr. Wise's second marriage was to a Miss Dipple, of Dallastown, who died there also. By her he had one son, Albert, now liv- ing in that town.

John Wise, our subject, attended school until he was nineteen, first near Collinsville, then near Brogueville, and then at Thomp- son's, all township schools; his first teacher was Jane Campbell, while the last one bore the same family name. His first twenty-two years were spent at home where he helped his father on the farm. but at that age he married and started in life for himself. He bought 105 acres of land from his father, but at the end of a year sold the place to Jacob Shenberger, and bought instead a part of his present farm. Beginning there with sixty-five acres, Mr. Wise added to it until he owned 120 acres; twenty-five acres of this lay within the bor- ough limits of Red Lion, and later he divided it into town lots and sold them. Mr. Wise has been very successful in his enterprises, possess- ing both good judgment and industry, and his present position is due entirely to his own efforts.

In 1862 Mr. Wise married Catherine A. Blouse, daughter of Jacob Blouse, a farmer near Brogueville, now deceased. Her mother was Mrs. Lizzie (Mitzel) Craley, the widow of Martin Craley. Mrs. Wise, after nearly forty years of married life, passed away in February, 1901, and was buried in the ceme- tery of the Lutheran church at Freysville, as she was a member of that congregation. She was the mother of seven children, viz. : John A., at home: Sarah E., Mrs. John Gebhard ; Annie Amelia, Mrs. John Taylor; Edward Franklin ; Ida Catherine, Mrs. Noah Stabley- all of Red Lion; Minnie May, at home, and William. The family is one well known in the township, where Mr. Wise is held in high re- gard for his many substantial and estimable qualities.

PETER H. MENGES (deceased ). Among the old and venerable residents of Heidelberg township, York county, who in past years bore an important part in the development of that

section of the State, was Peter H. Menges, who was born in North Codorus township, York county, Nov. 27, 1835, son of Peter and Nancy (Hershey) Menges, of German and Swiss de- scent, respectively. His great-grandfather came from Germany when quite young, and settled about five miles west of York, some time before the Revolutionary war. His burial place is at Wolf's church, in West Manchester town- ship.

John Menges, the grandfather, was a farmer, who settled in that part of the home section now owned by Henry Menges, in Jack- son township. His family consisted of thir- teen children, and he died at the age of sixty- nine years, deeply esteemed by a wide circle of friends who recognized his sterling traits of character.

Peter Menges, father of Peter H. and the fifth child in the family, was born July 1, 1802, spending his early life on the farm and later learning the trade of a miller, being thus em- ployed in Cumberland county, Pa. After his marriage, he moved to the farm of his father- in-law, in North Codorus township, operating it for eleven years and then coming to Heidel- berg township, where he purchased a farm and the property known as the Menges mill. There he passed the remainder of his life; his death occurred Oct. 10, 1883, and he was buried at Lischy's church, of which he was elder for twenty years. During that period he devoted much time to church work, and was very de- vout, accomplishing much good: Throughout the entire community he was known as "Old Father Menges" and was generally beloved. Two children were born to his marriage, Peter H. and John. The latter, born in 1824, was a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was educated at Mt. Joy, Lancaster county, and was received into the ministry by the "Old Pennsylvania Synod" in 1851, having filled after that time various charges in Lancaster and York counties. In 1880 he became pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church at West Philadelphia. With a few members, he built a mission church, and from that small begin- ning had developed his charge, until he had a large membership and a flourishing Sunday- school. His work was very successful, and he was a devout, good man, greatly beloved by his people.

Peter H. Menges worked upon the farm and in the mill, and at the same time attended the

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BIOGRAPHICAL

subscription and public schools of Columbia and Mt. Joy. After completing his education, tor eleven years he was a teamster, hauling lumber and general merchandise between Lit- tlestown and the Susquehanna river. After his marriage in 1860, he removed to the home- stead farm (first renting it) and there re- mained ten years. He then embarked in the business of milling and the handling of pro- duce, and, after the construction of the H. & Y. railroad, purchased and built the property known as the Menges mills, store and ware- house, creating thereby an excellent market for produce, and dealing largely in it. Mr. Menges

was largely instrumental in securing the rail- road through that section, and was actively en- gaged in its construction. In 1863 and 1864 he held the office of internal revenue collector of the Fifteenth division of Pennsylvania, and had also been upon the school board.

On Jan. 24, 1860, Mr. Menges was united in marriage to Kate Hinkle, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Hinkle, of Lancaster county, Pa., of Irish and German descent. Seven chil- dren have been born of this marriage- three sons and four daughters : John; Alvin; Willie; Annie, Mary and Pacie, deceased; and Minnie. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran Church at Lischy's and later of Spring Grove Church, in which he was deacon eight years and Sunday-school superintendent for nearly twenty. In fact, he became so prominent that in 1875 he was selected as a delegate to the Sunday-school convention at Philadelphia. He died Oct. 27, 1904.

JOHN MENGES, the eldest child of Peter H., was born Feb. 28, 1864. Educated in the common schools of Heidelberg township and at Baugher's Academy, Hanover, Pa., he worked around the mill and farm owned by his father for two years. In 1886 he established his present store at Menges Mills, where he in- stalled a complete line of general merchandise and has successfully conducted it ever since. In 1888 he married Maggie Faust, daughter of William Faust, of Springfield township, York county, and the children born to them are : In 1888 he married Maggie Faust, daughter of Henrietta : Catherine and Margaret, both de- ceased, and Elizabetlı, a bright little girl of five years. In politics he is a Republican ; was · census enumerator in 1890, and has hield the of- fice of postmaster at Menges Mills since May, 1900. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.

DAVID A. FREY ( deceased ), for many years the editor and proprietor of the York (Pa.) Weekly, was born in that city in 1826, son of Jacob and Catherine Frey.

Jacob Frey was a tailor by trade and had his place of business for a number of years at the corner of Market and Duke streets, York, where he enjoyed a good patronage. He lived to the age of seventy years, and was buried in the Prospect Hill cemetery, where his wife was also interred. Their children were as follows : John, a hatter by trade; David A .; Benjamin ; Alexander, also a hatter ; and Sarah, who mar- ried John Hunter and died in 1854, seven years before her husband's demise.

David A. Frey was educated in the York County Academy, and for several years after finishing his own studies taught in Hellam and Dover townships. On relinquishing the profession of a teacher Mr. Frey entered upon the field of journalism, and in 1851 estab- lished the York. (Pa.) Weekly, with his of- fice at the corner of Market and Duke streets. This was his vocation during the whole of his active life, but for his last ten years he lived retired. His death occurred July 11, 1900, and he was survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Jonston (King) Frey. Mrs. Frey was a daughter of Henry and Leah King, and she died July 16, 1905. She was buried beside her husband in Prospect Hill cemetery.

Six children were born to David A. and Mary Frey. David E., the eldest, a dealer in hices in York, married Miss Fannie J. Fisher. Mary Grace became the wife of Samuel H. Bechtel, who is in the implement business in Hanover. Victor K. married Miss Flora Baker, formerly of Uniontown, Md., and he is in the publishing business at his father's old stand on South George street. Edgar A., who married Miss Ella Thomas, is one of the firm of Frey & Thomas, wholesale dealers in grain and hardware, located on North George street, York. Horace King died when thirty-five years of age. Ralph W. is the youngest.

P. H. HERSHEY, chief burgess of the borough of Spring Grove, and one of the lead- ing business men of that community, was born in York county, in the vicinity of Spring Grove. Oct. 31, 1865, a son of Andrew M. and Magdaline ( Hoke) Hershey. Andrew M. Hershey was born in the same township and county as his son, in April, 1817, and died in

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

March, 1904. He was one of the prosperous farmers of his neighborhood. having owned fine farms of 87, 117 and 125 acres respective- ly, which he had brought to an excellent state of cultivation. All of the improvements upon them consisting of a comfortable dwelling, bank barn, and necessary sheds, etc. were built by him, and he was throughout life, a hard working, thrifty man. In politics, he was a Democrat, and was honored by election to sev- eral township offices. In religious faith, he was a member of the old Mennonite Church, while his wife was a member of the Reformed Church. Mrs. Hershey was a daughter of Solomon Hoke, and she was born in York county, near Spring Grove, in 1821, dying in 1886. In disposition, she was a sweet, Christian woman, and held the warm affection of all who knew her.

P. H. Hershey passed his youth upon his father's farm, and attended the district school. Later, he had the advantage of a course at a select school and a training at the Millersville State Normal school; the latter consisted of a three-years' course, after which he began teaching. His first school was in the country, but so efficient did he prove, that he was selected to teach in the Spring Grove Grammar school. There he continued for ten years, giv- ing universal satisfaction and endearing him- self to pupils and patrons alike. About this time. he decided to engage in farming, and turned his attention to that pursuit and the breeding of fine stock. For years he bred some of the finest short-horned cattle and Poland China and Berkshire hogs in the coun- ty, and also has taken a great interest in select horses, breeding from thoroughbred mares. Mr. Hershey owns a fine farm, near Spring Grove. which is well stocked and conducted under his supervision. In addition to his agri- cultural interests, Mr. Hershey is a stockholder of the People's National Bank of Spring Grove, of which he was one of the organizers. It was through Mr. Hershey's untiring efforts that the Spring Grove Canning factory was established in 1905, the new enterprise meet- ing with much opposition; notwithstanding which, he carried it to a successful conclu- sion-which was but characteristic of Mr. Her- shey. He is also one of the organizers of the Spring Grove Box factory, which was char- tered in 1905, and of which he has been chosen president. He has represented several of the

leading insurance companies of the county for the past twelve years, among which is the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of Para- dise, York county, Pa., for which he has done a large amount of business.

On Jan. 29, 1888, Mr. Hershey married Miss Lucy Hoffman, of Spring Grove, and they have one son, Chauncey A. In politics, Mr. Hershey is a Democrat, and takes a lively interest in local, county and State politics. For three years, he was a member of the school board, and owing to his long experience as an instructor, rendered very efficient service. In 1897, he was elected chief burgess of the bor- ough of Spring Grove, and held the office con- tinuously , with the exception of three years, until March 1, 1906, and he is justly regarded as an official who has the best interests of the borough at heart. In 1904 he was his party's choice for the State legislature, but was de- feated through the Republican landslide which occurred in that year. For the past eighteen years, Mr. Hershey has been a member of the Spring Grove Musical Association. Mr. and Mrs. Hershey are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Hershey was choirmaster, and for fifteen years past has been principal cornet player. They are prominent in church and social circles. are hospitable peo- ple, and highly esteemed by all who have the honor of their acquaintance.

DANIEL D. EHRHART, senior member of the Ehrhart, Conrad Company, of Han- over, York county, was born in Shrewsbury township, York county, Feb. 13, 1849, the son of Henry and Julia (Diehl) Ehrhart. The Ehrharts, as the name (presumably "hearts of honor,") indicates, are of German origin.

William Ehrhart, the paternal grandfather of Daniel D. Ehrhart, was born near the town of York, York township, and farmed during his entire life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church, the nearest congregation of which was in the town of York, and it was to that place that William Ehrhart went, summer and win- ter, to attend worship. Soon after attaining luis majority he married, taking as his wife Nellie Runk, a daughter of John Runk. By her he had six children : Emanuel, Henry, Marie, William, Louisa and Eliza.

Henry Ehrhart, the father of Daniel D., was born during the residence of the family

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BIOGRAPHICAL

in Shrewsbury township, and was reared upon his father's farm. After attending the rural schools and securing an education, which in those days required the perfecting influence of experience to render it useful, except in the most ordinary callings, he learned the trade of a carpenter, and, in connection with farm- ing, engaged in that occupation throughout life. Although the Ehrharts were bred Demo- crats, Henry Ehrhart became a member of the Republican party, and the fact that he held local offices is evidence of his activity in political affairs. He grew up a member of the Lutheran Church and took an active part in its affairs, for many years holding the various church offices in the congregation of which he was a member. In 1848 he married Julia, a daughter of Adam and Catherine Diehl, who became the mother of Daniel D .. and five other children: Charles; Samuel; Louise, wife of H. A. Young: Elsie, wife of W. D. Bortner, and Williann, wife of John Bomm. Mr. Ehrhart died in 1877; his wife still survives, aged eighty-one.

Daniel D. Ehrhart spent his earlier years on his father's farm in Shrewsbury township, and secured his education in the public schools and at the Shrewsbury Academy. He left school at an early age and worked for a few years on a farm. At the age of nineteen he entered upon his profession of teaching and for six years was connected with the schools of York county. He then located at Hanover as a retail grocer, his trade, in 1883. being en- larged into a wholesale business, now con- ducted by the firm of Ehrhart, Conrad Com- pany. Since his location in Hanover Mr. Ehr- hart has risen to prominence in that town, partly through his business relations and partly through his activity in politics and public af- fairs. He is a Republican and votes at every election. For eight years he was a member of the school board of Hanover. At present he is an active member and a trustee of St. Matthew's Church, and a teacher in its Sunday- school. He is a member of the Home Build- ing & Loan Association, now holding the re- sponsible position of treasurer of that organi- zation, whose success is greatly due to his ef- forts. Mr. Ehirhart is connected with four of the secret societies of Hanover, being a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; of McAllister Council. No. 980, Royal Arcanum; of Washington Camp, Patriotic

Sons of America, and of Minnewauki Tribe, No. 250, Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Ehrhart is one of the most popular men of Hanover and has attained the esteem of his fellow townsmen not only through his busi- ness, fraternal, religious and civic associations, but through that display of enterprise and energy which has done so much to encourage the growth of the town and foster the splendid civic spirit for which Hanover people are noted. Once the able and experienced teacher, he is now the superior and trained man of busi- ness. In his personality he is agreeable, his integrity is conceded and his reputation and character are alike of a high order.

On Feb. II. 1872, Mr. Ehrhart married Martha, a daughter of Samuel A. and Delia Frey, of York, by whom he had four chil- dren : Harry Samuel, and Robert Leroy, liv- ing; and Alma B. and Donald Frey, deceased. Mrs. Ehrhart died June 4, 1898, and for his second wife he married, Nov. 25. 1899, Jose- phine Wolf, daughter of Prof. John M. Wolf, a prominent teacher at Hanover.

GEORGE W. BAHN, M. D., physician and surgeon of Spring Grove, and one of the leading men of that locality, was born in Co- dorus township, York county, Oct. 21. 1856, a son of Samuel L. and Susan (Tyson) Bahn. The Balin family originated in Weimar. Ger- many. the American founder emigrating to this country at an early date, although his place of settlement is not known. The first member of the family of whom there is any definite record, is the grandfather of Dr. Bahn, Adam, who was a native of York county.

Samuel L. Bahn, father of George \\'., was born in Spring Garden township, York county, in 1817, and died in 1900. He was a farmer, and devoted the best years of his life to tilling the soil. As a citizen he was well known as a man of progressive ideas, and he left his mark upon his community, residing upon his farm in Manchester township, until his death. His wife, Susan, daughter of Daniel Tyson, an old resident of York county, was born in 1822, and is still living, in possession of all faculties, although now eighty-two years of age. She became the mother of ten children : Susan and Amanda, deceased ; Mary A. : Dan- iel F .; John A .; Samuel F .; Franklin, de- ceased ; George W .; William M., deceased, and Elmer E.

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. George W. Bahn received the rudi- ments of his education in the district school of his township, and then attended the Emigs- ville Academy, a private school, and the York County Academy at York, Pa., later teaching school for two winters. Dr. Bahn then read medicine with Dr. J. H. Kain, of Manchester, Pa., and when fully prepared entered the med- ical department of the Maryland University at Baltimore, from which he graduated on March 3, 1881. After graduation, he located at Spring Grove, where he has since practiced and is in the enjoyment of an excellent busi- ness. Dr. Bahn is a member of York County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, as well as of the International Association. Fraternally he is a member of Mt. Zion Lodge, No. 997, I. O. O. F., of Spring Grove. He takes a deep interest in educational matters, and for a num- ber of years was a member of the school board, serving as its secretary. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Spring Grove, and is a man of substance, as well as one of the best physicians in York county, his services being widely sought.

In 1880, Dr. Bahn married Alice E. Sitler, of East Prospect. York Co., Pa., a daughter of Jacob and Mary ( Burg) Sitler. After his marriage, he took up his residence in Spring Grove. Dr. and Mrs. Bahn are consistent mem- bers of Spring Grove St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and take an active part in its good work.

EMANUEL EURICH, a prominent and highly respected citizen of York, who was for some years engaged in business in that city, is now living retired from active life. Mr. Eurich was born Sept. 14, 1844, near Berlin, in Adams county, son of Emanuel, Sr., and Catherine (Hoffman ) Eurich.

John Eurich, grandfather of our subject, was a farmer of Washington township, along the Conewago Creek, and was the father of these children: Sallie. Polly, John. Uriah, David and Emanuel. Sr.

Emanuel Eurich, Sr., was born at Ross- town, York county, and was a lifelong farmer, following agricultural pursuits in both York and Adams counties. He died in the latter county at the age of fifty-one years, being buried at Berlin. His widow, who was Cath- erine Hoffman, died at the age of seventy-two

years, and is buried at Strayers Church, Dover township. This couple were the parents of these children : Louisa, widow of George Har- bold, is living in York; Leah, widow of Levi Gross, resides at Dillsburg; Aaron, a farmer of Franklin township, married a Miss Smith; Emanuel; Catherine married Alfred Arnold. and they are both deceased; Matilda married Rev. Reuben Rawhauser, a Reformed clergy- man, and they are both deceased; Cecelia mar- ried William Weigle, and lives in Dover town- ship; and Mary Ann, Samuel and Matilda died young.

Emanuel Eurich attended the common school until he was twelve years of age, when he was put out among the neighboring farmers to make his own way in the world. In 1869 he married Anna Maria Brooks, daughter of Eli L. and Rebecca (Hengst) Brooks, of West Manchester township, both now deceased. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Eurich located on Jacob Louck's farm in Manchester town- ship, where they remained one year. They then removed to West Manchester township for two years, and then came to York city, where Mr. Eurich was employed with S. M. Smith in the machine business. He also spent one year in that line at Leesport. Pa., after which he returned to York, being first em- ployed by John F. King, and later for eleven years by H. S. Myers. Subsequently he formed a partnership in the implement busi- ness with E. S. Brooks, the firm being known as Eurich & Brooks. This association con- tinued for eleven years, Mr. Eurich's business travels embracing York, Adams, Lancaster, Cumberland and all adjoining counties. He was then in business one year for himself. but in 1902 retired from active life. He is the owner of a great deal of property in York, and built his present fine home in 1897. being also proprietor of a farm of forty acres in Conewago township.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 98

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