History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 150

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended > Part 150

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Hugh Glasgow, for a number of years, con- ducted a store between Delta and Peach Bot- tom at the beginning of the present century. Walton's store, six miles west of Delta near Fawn Grove, about the same time did a con- siderable business. John Kirk's store at the ferry, did a large business as early as 1815.

Ramsay's Tavern is located in the west end of Peach Bottom Township, and is one of the landmarks of the "lower end." The voting place of the two townships, before the time of their separation, was one-half mile north of this place. Eventually it was moved to the tavern, which continued to be used for a number years after the formation of Peach

Bottom. This tavern being on one of the main highway to the Peach Bottom Ferry, before the times of railroads, was a promi- nent stopping place for teamsters and travel- ers. David Ramsay was proprietor for many years.

In the year 1819 a duel was fought by Dr. Brownlow and John Chauncey, members of the Maryland legislature, near Ramsay's Tavern. The cause was difference of views on some political issue of the day. Brown- low was slightly wounded in the arm at first shot, after which the duelists and those who accompanied them, left for their homes.

Two intoxicated persons in 1835 had a difficulty in Roland Perry's tavern at Peach Bottom; being much exasperated they con- cluded the only way to settle it was with pistols. But one weapon could be secured. They then concluded to draw lots in order to determine who should use it first. The jovial landlord after the draw proposed to load the pistol himself, and placed in it only powder and a wad. The combatants stood up bravely; the weapon was aimed and dis- charged at close quarters, but greatly to the discomfiture of the one who tired, the load took no effect on his opponent and the duel ended in a fist-fight.

The oldest citizens of the township recol- lect when deer were plentiful and when the howling wolves were heard and seen along the hillsides. There were a few wild deer until 1835. The last one killed in the vicin- ity of Delta in 1838 was run by hounds and caught on the ice which covered the Susque- hanna, above Peach Bottom Ferry. Wolves were seen as late as 1815. Some of the rug- ged hills along the Muddy Creek were noted resorts for these voracious animals.

"Cold Cabins" is a place familiarly known to the people of a quarter of a century or more ago, as a prominent stopping place for boats on the Susquehanna canal. Consider- able lime was landed there as there was quite a large boat-yard, where goods of vari- ous kinds were delivered.

Dr. Thomas Montgomery was one of the last persons to own slaves in Peach Bottom.

Jabez Kirkwood, the father of Ex-Gov. Kirkwood of Iowa, was for many years an elder in Slate Ridge Church.

JESSE KERSEY.

Jesse Kersey, an eminent minister of the Society of Friends, was born in York, eighth month, fifth day, 1768. His father, William Kersey, who was clerk of the York and War- rington Meeting, was married to Hannah Bennett, daughter of Joseph Bennett, one of

771

CONCLUSION.

the first settlers in the vicinity of Lewisberry, this county. Jesse Kersey went to Philadel- phia in 1784 to learn the trade of a potter, but was a constant and devoted student of sacred literature. In 1789 he became a teacher in Chester County; in 1790 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Coates, moved to York, and pursued his trade until 1794; the following year he traveled a dis- tance of 1, 700 miles in three months, through Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina, and until 1804 spent most of his time traveling in America, visiting Friends and preaching. In the latter year he visited England and Ireland, returned home in 1805, and became a prominent preacher of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. In 1814 he visited the South under a concern in especial relation to American slavery and the mode of deliver- ance from its evil consequences. On his re- turn he visited President Madison, to whom he presented his views on this subject, and was received by the president with great cordiality. He then continued his travels through Virginia, holding meetings and discussing the great question of human bond- age. On account of his kind and persuasive manner he was treated courteously even by his strongest opponents. He continued to preach until his death in Chester County, in the fall of 1845. Jesse Kersey was a man of remarkable purity and simplicity of character, and is declared "to have gone to his grave with the benedictions of many thousands who knew him, and without the enmity of one living being." He was a man of extraordi- nary endowments, and one of the ablest and inost eloquent speakers among the Society of Friends. Immense congregations always greeted him on his travels, as his fame had gone before him. There was a dignity and nobleness about him that always commanded respect, and gave evidence of an exalted aim. Says an able writer, "no more gratified and impressive powers of sacred eloquence have been heard in America or England than those which proceeded from the lips of Jesse Kersey."

CONCLUSION.

THE county of York existed nearly a century and a half before this or any other attempt was made to write an extended history of it and of its people. This being the case the preparation of the present vol- ume, with minute details of local history,

was accomplished under great difficulties, and only after a persistent effort to reach all the sources of original information accessible. Old documents and books were sought, and some of their historic contents used. Church records were searched; many of them were in German script, which required translation. Every nook and corner of the county was visited to obtain available information, and much time and labor spent iu the rooms of various historical societies.

The authors of this volume being "native here, and to the manner born," had an abiding interest in the work, and hence used every effort to accurately and authentically record the most interesting and most valuable facts of our county's history. A verdict of the success attained is left to the calm judgment of the good people of this ancient bailiwick, trusting that the difficulties encountered in the preparation of such a work within the space of one year will be borne in mind be- fore passing judgment upon it.

Certain articles on special subjects were written by persons whose names will be found in connection with them. All of these persons are residents of the county, except Dr. Persifor Frazer, of Philadelphia, who prepared the "Geological Sketch of York County." This article is a very valuable one, as its author, who recently completed his work on the State survey, is one of the ablest geologists in America.

For favors granted the author of the Special History and the Borough and Town- ship History is under many obligations to the distinguished genealogist Gilbert Cope, of West Chester; to the unassuming yet famous antiquary, Abraham H. Cassel, of Montgomery County, this State, who freely gave access to his invaluable collection of rare books and documents, which contained rich treasures of ancient lore; to Dr. Will- iam H. Egle, of Harrisburg, author of the "History of Pennsylvania;" to Samuel Evans, Esq., of Columbia, author of the "History of Lancaster County," and to James M. Swank, secretary of the American Iron and Steel Association; to the clergy of York County, who gladly allowed the use of church record books, or furnished material for church history themselves; to the officials in the court house for courtesies extended while searching among the ancient county records, and to a score or more of venerable citizens in every section of the county, who have spent nearly a century within its bounds, and who faithfully assisted "to trace the tale to the dim past, where records fail."

G. R. P.

772

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY.

ADDENDA.

ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF NEW FREEDOM.

The Evangelical Church organization was formed in 1859, by Rev. G. Hunter. The first building in which the society worshiped had been a blacksmith shop. In this build- ing the worship took place of both the Evan- gelical and Methodist people up to 1871, when each organization erected new and commodious buildings, in which they have since worshiped. The same pastors who had charge of Shrewsbury Circuit, had also charge of these congregations. The Evan- gelical Association was the first Protestant Church organized in the borough. There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected with the church.

The Lutheran congregation was organ- ized in 1869, by Rev. A. Berg, and worshiped for some time in Hildebrand's Hall, now Gore's Hall. In 1877 the congregation erected a fine church edifice, which has since been occupied. This congregation is also served by the same pastor that serves Shrews- bury charge. There is a strong Sunday- school connected with the church.

The Baptists at one time had an organi- zation in the town, and erected a church edi- fice, but the membership was small, and finally it was suspended and the church edi- fice was sold to the Reformed people.

The German Reformed people have had an organization in the town, but having no regular place for worship, met with only par- tial success, until Rev. A. Driesbach became the pastor of the charge, when it began to de. velop, and they recently purchased the church edifice of the Baptist people, and now is com- pletely organized, and promises to become one of the strongest congregations of the town.

Freedom Lodge, K. of P., was organized in December, 1884, with an excellent mem- bership which has since grown, and the lodge promises to become strong and influential.

A strong and influential literary society has been in existence in the town for some time, and is doing a good work among the young people of the place.

The terminus of the Stewartstown Rail- road has recently been effected at the town, which will add considerably to the interest of the place.

The town has 3 stores, 1 lumber yard, 2 harness shops, 2 cigar factories, 3 shoe-maker shops, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 ice cream fac- tory, 2 wheelwright shops and 2 physicians. This shows it as considerable of a manufac- turing town.

The following-named York County soldiers were among the "Continental Troops," page 144, not mentioned in the general history:

Third Pennsylvania Regiment-Frederick Walt- man, died in York County, August 23, 1825, aged seventy-one.

Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment-Archibald Camp- bell, of York County, Captain Lieutenant, February 15, 1777; died in 1788.

Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment-David Bell, York County, 1776; died in hospital, South Caro- lina, 1782.

Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment-John Ohmet, May, 1777-78; died in York County, April 16, 1823, aged sixty-five. Leonard Weyer, wounded at Bran- dywine and Red Bank; resided in York County, 1826 aged sixty-eight; blind.

German Regiment-Jacob McClean, Capt. Wei- ser's company, died February 18, 1824, in York County, aged sixty-six. John Richcreek, Dover Township, York County, wounded at Germantown, and transferred to invalid corps. Jacob Cremer, resided in York County, 1818, died May 19, 1832, aged seventy-eight; was also in Col. Hazen's Regi- ment.

"Ninety-second Regiment of Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, Ninth Cavalry." In addition to those named on page 189, in this corps, were the following York County men:

Henry W. Heffner, Company G; William H. Swartz, Company G; Josiah M. Jones, York. How- ard W. Clark, Company I; Sylvester I. Eckenrode, Company I; John H. Serff, Company ] .; Lewis F. Kraft, Company L; George Trone; Henry S. Grove, Company L; Hanover. William B. Showalder, Company E; Charles Neiman, Company E; John M. Brubaker, Company K; John Kirk, Company L; Edward Sweigart, Company L; Newberry. William H. Sherwood, Company K, Chanceford. John D. Hoover, Company H, Manheim; Ambrose Baylor, Company H, Fairview.

Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry- Henry Fisher, Company I; John Fisher, Company I; Sanford Fisher, Company I: Frederick Koch, Company I; Wilson Danner, Company I; Fair- view.

PART II.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

YORK BOROUGH.

JOHN AHL, M. D., is a native of York, born April 15,1822, son of Peter and Mary (Stroman) Ahl, the mother a daughter of ex-Sheriff Stroman of York County, and of German descent. The father was born in Virginia and is also of German desceut. Peter Ahl, subject's grandfather, was a native of. Germany and came to America prior to the Revolu- tionary war, in which he was a surgeon. The father of our subject came to York when a young man, was a butcher, and died in 1874. Subject's mother died in 1875. Dr. Ahl was educated at the public schools and York County Academy. He began the study of medicine in 1842 under Dr. William McIl- vain, of York, also attended Washington University, of Maryland, and graduated in 1845. He located immediately in York, but in 1846 moved to Dover, and after a number of years returned to York. He was married November 6, 1853, to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Cone of Baltimore County, Md., daughter of Sam- nel Cone. Politically he is a Democrat and was elected first coroner of York County about 1849, served two terms and was again elected in 1878, and again served two terms. Dr. Ahl is the oldest resi- dent physician now practicing in York. He has heen a Mason thirty years.

CAPT. JOHN ALBRIGHT was born in Balti- more, Md., in 1826, is a son of Christopher and Mary (Burk) Albright, and is of Hungarian origin. The father of Mr. Albright was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and his mother in the same county. In early life his father came to York County, remained a short time and then removed to Baltimore, Md. When subject was ten years of age, he, with his parents, came to York County, and here he received a com- mon school education. His father died in 1845, and his mother in 1876. At eighteen years of age, Mr. Albright began learning the cigar-maker's trade, and as a journeyman he labored for twenty years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Second Pennsylva- nia Volunteers, for three months and was appointed orderly-sergeant; in August of the same year, he re- enlisted in Company K, Eighty-seventh Pennsylva- nia Volunteers, and was commissioned first lieuten- ant, and as captain in October, 1861. He partici- pated in the battles of Monocacy, Fisher's Hill and Winchester, at which last he was taken prisoner, and was an inmate of the famous Libby prison for eleven months, and a prisoner of war for twenty-one months and fifteen days. He was mustered out of the service in 1865. His marriage took place in 1845 to Miss Mary Ann Shell, a native of Wrights- ville, York County, aud daughter of Nancy Shell. To this union have been born three children, viz .: Arvilla, Alfred and Mary M. Mr. Albright is a member of the G. A. R. and is a Republican.

Since 1867 he has been engaged in the cigar and tobacco business.

S. A. ALEXANDER, general foreman of loco- motives and car affairs for the North Central Rail- way at York, is a native of Philadelphia, was born August 31, 1829, a son of Andrew and Virginia (Clark) Alexander, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. His parents and grandparents were all natives of Pennsylvania. The father of Mr. Alexander was lost at sea in 1832. Our subject received a common school education at Philadelphia. In 1843 he joined the United States Navy and spent five years in that service. Since 1848 he has been engaged at his present occupation. He came to York in 1875 and here has since resided. He has invented a cross- head pusher, hydraulic jack, balanced slide valve and a rotary steam engine. He is also the author of a very popular book on the subject of running and care of locomotive engines. He was married, in 1850, to Miss Jemima James of Pottsville, Penn. To the marriage were born seven children. Mrs. Alex- ander died in 1866 and two years later our subject was married to Mrs. Elizabeth McAlister, of Cumber- land County, Penn. One child has been born to this union. Mr. Alexander is a Mason, Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Alex- ander is also a member of that church.

ABRAHAM K. ALLISON, baker and confec- tioner, was born in Codorus Township, November 7, 1829, to Adam and Magdalene (Kesler) Allison. In a family of twelve children, Mr. Allison is the eighth, and is of English-German origin. The paternal grandfather of our subject came to Amer- ica some time in the last century, and settled in Codorus Township, York County, where he died. In this township the parents of Mr. Allison were horn, his father in 1801, and his mother in 1797. They were members of the Lutheran Church for almost half a century. They were among the early settlers of Codorus Township. The father died in York in 1869, and the mother in the same place in 1874. The boyhood of Mr. Allison was spent on the farm, and there he remained until twenty-four years of age. In 1863 he came to York, and, in partnership with his father, engaged in the grocery business, which he continued until 1874, when he began the baking business, and this he yet success- fully continues. He also learned the milling husi- ness, in which he was interested for about four years. He was married in 1860, to Miss Louisa Lau, a native of Jackson Township, and a daughter of John and Rebecca Lau. To this marriage were born twelve children, the following of whom are living: Laura K., John A., Jacob H., Mary V., Maggie E., Anna L., Hattie R. and George W. Mr.

YORK BOROUGH.

Allison is a Democrat, and has held offices of asses- sor and councilman-councilman when rebel Gen. Early took possession of York. He and his wife are prominent members of the Lutheran Church.

JACOB H. BAER, banker and financier, is a native of and a descendant from an old family of York County. He was born April 2, 1830, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Hershey) Baer. His life was passed upon his father's farm until he was eighteen years of age, attending the schools of his neighborhood, and as an assistant upon the farm. Being ambitious for a more extended field in life, lie entered the York County Academy and engaged upon a regular course. He graduated in 1853, and soon after engaged in the commission business in York, which he continued for twelve years. He then began his career as a financier and banker, starting a private bank, which he conducted two years. This enterprise was merged into the Western National Bank which he organized and of which he was president for two years. Resigning this position he again embarked in a private bank- ing business which is recognized as one of the sound institutions of the county. In the latter enterprise he has been ably seconded by his sons Charles F. and J. Allen. Mr. Baer possesses rare attributes as a business manager, and as a citizen has the confi- dence and esteem of his fellow-men. He formed a matrimonial alliance in June, 1860, with Miss Mary, daughter of John and Maria Winters, of York County. They have four children: Charles F., J. Allen, Annie M. and Howard D. Mr. and Mrs. Baer are members of the Lutheran Church.

ROBERT M. BARNITZ learned the watch-mak- ing and jewelry business under F. R. Polock, of York, after which he formed a partnership with his father, Edwin A. Barnitz, who was also a watch- maker and jeweler, and who had been engaged in that business in York since 1843, and who died in 1880. Onr subject continues the business under the old firm name of E. A. Barnitz & Son, it being one of the oldest establishments of the kind in the borough.

GEORGE J. BARRY, seventh of eleven children of James and Roseanna (Mclaughlin) Barry, was born October 31, 1846, in York, Penn., and after receiving a common school education went to Fred- erick City, Md., in 1861, to clerk in a store. After six years' stay in Frederick he went to Chicago, and thence to Cincinnati, where he lived about one year; returned to Frederick after his brother's death to accept the position of book-keeper in the packing establishment of L. McMurray & Co. September 2, 1879, our subject married B. V . Carr, daughter of John and Susan Carr, of York, Penn. Three chil- dren were born of this marriage: Mary, born July 6, 1880; James Howard, born July 21. 1882; and Rose Teresa, born January 1, 1883. Our subjeet's father, James Barry, was born February 9, 1811, in Tullamore, Kings Co., Ireland, and came to this country in his eighteenth year. Roseanna (MeLaughlin) Barry was born in Dromore, Tyrone Co., Ireland, and came to America with her parents when three years old.

THE BAYLER FAMILY. Henry Bayler was born in York, Penn., in the house in which he now resides, September 14, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Lanius) Bayler, and is of Swiss-German descent. His father was born in York County, Penn., in 1796, and died in 1857; his mother was born in 1796 and died in 1859. In 1846 Mr. Bayler engaged in the tanning business, which he contin- ued until 1865, when he began the lumber business, which he carried on for some years and then re- tired from active life. He was married in 1841 to Sarah A. Klinefelter, a native of York County, and a representative of one of the early families, and daughter of Adam and Sarah A. Klinefelter. The

marriage has been blessed with seven children, four of whom are living: Adam K., Albert, Charles A. and Sarah A. Mrs. Bayler died in 1876, a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Bayler is a Demo- crat, and east his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Lutheran Church.

ADAM K. BAYLER, cigar manufacturer, was born March 3, 1846. His boyhood was spent in York, his native town, where he availed himself of the advantages offered by the public schools and York County Academy. In 1864 he entered the United States naval service, and was with Admiral Farra- gut's fleet in the passage of the forts at the entrance of Mobile Bay, and at the evacuation of Charles- ton, S. C. In 1865 Mr. Bayler went to China in the United States store-ship "Supply;" remained two years, and then returned to America. He made three cruises to China during his service of thirteen years in the United States Navy. In 1872 he went to Europe and China via the Suez Canal in the United States flag-ship "Tennessee," and in 1877 re- turned to York, where he has since remained. In 1882 he engaged in the manufacture of cigars, his factory being one of the most extensive establish- ments of the kind in York. He was married in 1880 to Ida M. Leader, daughter of Joseph (de- ceased) and Harriet Leader. Mr. Bayler is a stanch Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Grant.

ALBERT BAYLER was born in York, Penn., September 1, 1847, and is the second of a family of seven children. He attended the public schools of York and the York Academy, and at seventeen years of age began serving a three years' appren- ticeship to the machinists' trade, at the North Cen- tral Railway shops at Baltimore. Returning to York he worked for E. C. Smyser for two years, and then went to Springfield, Ohio, where he worked for one year in the Champion shops. In 1877 he went to Baltimore, and for three years was engaged in the produce business. Mr. Bayler is now engaged in the manufacture of cigars. He was married in 1875 to Kate HIalbert, a native of Carlisle, Penn., born in 1854, daughter of Joseph Halbert. They have two children: Charles H. and Rose M. Mr. Bayler is a Republican, and is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

CHARLES A. BAYLER was born March 18, 1853, and is the youngest son living born to Henry and Sarah A. (Klinefelter) Bayler. He is a wholesale dealer in lumber and cigars. He received his schooling at the public schools of York County, and at the York County Academy, and at twenty-five years of age began business for himself; but prior to this he had learned the carpenter's trade. In 1877 he engaged in the lumber business, and continued until 1882, when he began the cigar business. He was married in 1878 to Rose B. Mason, a native of Columbia. Mr. Bayler is a Republican.

C. H. BECKMEYER, general merchant, is a na- tive of Germany, was born in 1850 and is a son of Frederick and Sophia Beekmeyer. He is the sixth in a family of nine children, and of pure German lineage. The boyhood of our subject was spent in his native country, where he attended the public schools. In 1866 he came to America and took a clerkship in a store. Remaining in New York City ten years, he came in 1876 to York and engaged in his present business. He was married in 1879 to Miss Minnie Bode, a native of York, and a daugh- ter of William and Charlotte Bode, natives of Ger- many. They have three children: William, Char- lotte and Edward. Mr. Beckmeyer is an enter- prising citizen, and has made life a success, He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GEORGE W. BELL, superintendent of Weigle's planing-mill and sash factory, was born in New York City, February 28, 1851, to George S. and Julia R. (Slawson) Bell, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. The father of Mr. Bell was born in Boston, Mass., in 1820, and his mother in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1824. His mother died in New York City in 1873. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Edward A. Bell, a native of Boston, Mass. His great-grandfather came from Ireland to America, and settled in Massachusetts. Mr. Bell was educa- ted at the public schools of New York City, and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, and stud- ied architecture, and at this continued for some years. In 1878 he came to York and accepted the position he now occupies. He superintended the erection of the York City Market House, in 1878 and 1879, and the York Opera House in 1881 and 1882, and also designed some of the best business houses and private residences and churches in York. We would mention particularly the new St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, just finished, and the bank- ing house of Weiser, Son & Carl. In 1880 Mr. Bell was married to Miss Mary Kissinger, daughter of Prof. E. J. Kissinger. To this marriage were born two children: Emma D. and Mary E. Mrs. Bell died in 1883. Politically Mr. Bell is a Republican. In 1884 he was elected to represent the Ninth Ward in the borough council. In the famous flood of 1884, Mr. Bell, as one of the members of the health committee, did effective service, and also, as one of the members of the relief committee, spent much time and labor in helping all those that were in dis- tress, and by his energy many people were helped, and their homes put in a comfortable position once more.

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History of York County, Pennsylvania : from the earliest period to the present time, divided into general, special, township and borough histories, with a biographical department appended, Part 150

Author: Gibson, John, Editor Publication date: 1886 Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Gibson, John, Editor
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: F.A. Battey Publishing Co., Chicago
Number of Pages: 1104