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 183

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 183

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JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

G. W. BAHN, M. D., is a native of York County, Penn., and was born in Spring Garden Township, in 1856. His parents, Samuel L. and Susan (Tyson) Bahn, are also natives of York County, and representatives of old families of the county. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his day. supplemented by a course at the Normal School of York and Emigsville Academy. In 1878 he commenced the study of medicine nnder

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Dr. J. B. Kain, now of York, Penn. He remained with Dr Kain three years, attending medical lec- tures at the University of Maryland, at Baltimore, in the meantime. In 1881 he graduated from this institution and commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Spring Grove, where he is now engaged in active and successful practice. Dr. Bahn married in 1880, Miss Alice E. Sitler, of East Prospect, Lower Windsor Township. They have one child living- Edith M. Dr. Bahn is a member of the Mount Olivet Lodge No. 997, I. O. O. F., of Spring Grove, and, with his wife, a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The Doctor is also a member of the York County Medical Society.

C. W. BAUER, one of the leading merchants of Spring Grove, is a native of Germany. He came to America in 1873, and located at York, where he entered the employ of J. L. Getz, with whom he re- mained ten years. In 1884 he removed to Spring Grove, and embarked in the general mercantile business in partnership with Frank Raab, which partnership has since been dissolved. He carries a large stock of goods and has succeeded in establish- ing a first-class trade. Mr. Bauer is an agreeable gentleman, possessing fine business attributes, and ranks among the leading citizens of the borough. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1884, and is now administering the duties of that office. Mr. Bauer formed a matrimonial alliance, in 1880, with Miss Lydia Raab. of York, Penn. They have one child-Lottie. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of St. John's Lutheran Church of York.

Z. L. BOWMAN, son of Henry L. and Clara (Loucks) Bowman, fourth of seven children, was born December 24, 1854, in Heidelberg Township, and after attending school in his native township, his first work was at Glatfelter's Paper Mill, at Spring Grove. He worked at this mill for ten years, then began the manufacture of all kinds of powder in 1882. Mr. Bowman married Annie E. Menges, daughter of P. H. and Katie (Hinkle) Menges. Two children bless their marriage-Bessie and Willie. The Spring Grove Powder Mill, owned and operated by P. H. Glatfelter. Z. L. Bowman and M. S. John- son, is doing a thriving business, although but re- cently put in operation. They manufacture all kinds of powder, and they bave a large trade in York and adjoining counties for all their powder.

P. M. BRINGMAN is a native of York County, and is the son of John and Anna M. (Bowersox) Bringman. The father and grandfather, John and Jacob, were also natives of York County, and the grandfather. George Bowersox, a native of the same. John Bringman died in March, 1880; his widow, Anna M. resides in Spring Grove, and is the mother of six living children: Amanda Rudisill, George, P. M. (subject), Annie, Jacob and John. Our subject was reared in Jackson Township, and was educated at the common and normal schools and at the Academy of York, and for a number of years fol- lowed the profession of teaching in Jackson; in 1879 he began teaching in Spring Grove, where he still resides. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Spring Grove, and, with the family, a member of the Lutheran Church.

EDWARD GLATFELTER, superintendent of Spring Grove Paper Mills, is a son of Charles and Lonisa (Fishel) Glatfelter, and was born in 1839, in Spring Garden Township. He was reared on a farm, and until twenty-five years of age, remained upon the farm as an assistant of his father. He then operated the old homestead farm for a period of nine years for himself, after which he became the general agent of the Weed Sewing Machine Com- pany, for York and Adams Counties, continuing this business two years. Hethen removed to Spring Grove, and entered the employ of his brother in the paper-mills as a laborer. In 1879 he became the

superintendent of the mills, which position he has ably filled up to the presen writing. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Herman, a native of West Manchester Township. This union has been blessed with five children: Laura Z., Har- vey E., Lucy K., Nettie J. and Sadie E. Mr. and Mrs. Glatfelter, with their two eldest children, are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

HENRY HOKE was born in this township in 1822, to Michacl and Barbara (Fishel) Hoke, natives of York County. His grandfather, Casper Hoke, who married a Miss Emig, was a blacksmith by trade, but was following farming at the time of his death. Subject's mother was descended from one of the oldest families of the county and died about 1828, the mother of eight children: Elizabeth, Mag- dalena, Margaretta, Joseph, Michael, George. Henry and Susanna. By a subsequent marriage, Michael Hoke had born to him three children, Eliza, Abra- ham and Nancy. The father of these died about 1868, and his widow about 1880. Our subject was reared a farmer, and in 1845 began on his own account, following agriculture until 1883, when he left his farm of 115 acres in charge of his son, Jacob, moved to Nashville and engaged in a general mer- cantile trade, in which he is quite prosperous. In 1844 he married Anna, daughter of Christian Her- shey, of Jackson Township. This lady died Decem- ber 1, 1883, the mother of twelve children, of whom Joseph is deceased. The living are Elizabeth Sprenkle, William, Emanuel, Henry, Sarah N. Bott, Eliza. Jacob, Amanda, Martin, George and Michael. Mr. Hoke is a school director and a member of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a leader of the choir for over thirty years.

WILLIAM H. HOKE, son of Henry and Annie (Hershey) Hoke, was born in Jackson Township, October 26, 1846. His early days were passed on the farm and in attending the district school until nineteen. In the spring of 1869 he began life on his own responsibility, and in 1874 purchased his present homestead of 138 acres. This farm is noted for its iron ore, a number of shafts having been sunk, and is productive in wheat, corn and Havana and Connecticut tobacco. Mr. Hoke also gives con- siderable attention to the culture of Italian bees, and finds a ready market for several hundred pounds of honey annually. August 23, 1868, Mr. Hoke married Sarah, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Wiest) Spangler, to which union the following chil- dren have been born: Phares Henry, Alice Jane, Lilly Ann, William Edward, Emma Elverta (an in- fant daughter), Naomi Sarah, Nettie Savilla, Lucy Viola and Ada Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Hoke are mem- bers of the Emanuel Reformed Church, of which Mr. H. has been organist since 1879.

M. HOKE, M. D., is a native of York County, Penn., and was born in Jackson Township in 1859. His parents, Henry and Anna (Hershey) Hoke, are both natives of York County, and descendants of old families of the county. Our subject was reared in his native county, and attended the common schools, and also York County Academy. About the age of eighteen years he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. Wiest, then of Jackson Township, but now one of the leading practitioners of York, Penn. Under the tutelage of Dr. Wiest he remained three years, attending lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in the meantime, aud graduating from that institution in 1881. He also attended a special course of anatomy in 1880. In 1881 he located iu Spring Grove, and commenced the practice of his profession, which is continually increasing. He was married, in 1883, to Miss Harriet Schwartz, of York County, Penn. Dr. Hoke is a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife of the Lutheran Church.

WILLIAM S. JOHNSTON, a descendant of old

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representative families, was born in Spring Garden Township, in 1834. His great-grandfather was a pioneer of the county, a farmer and one of the founders of the Episcopal Church of York, in the church-yard of which he lies buried. His grand- father, William Johnston, was a farmer of Spring Garden Township, where he resided until his death; he was the father of eleven children, two of whom are now living; Mrs. Mary Hantz and Sarah, both residents of York. Samuel Johnston, the father of our subject, was born in Spring Garden Township, where he resided until 1838, when he removed to Jackson Township, where he became a leading farmer and resided until his death, which occurred in 1872. The mother of our subject, Mary Smyser, was a daughter of Michael Smyser, of West Man- chester Township, and a descendant of an old fam- ily of the county. She was the mother of two chil- dren: William S. and Mary (deceased). The mother died in 1857. Our subject was reared upon a farm. and in the field of agriculture he has devoted the entire attention of his life. Mr. Johnston has been a resident of Jackson Township since he was four years of age; he became the manager of the old homestead farm in 1857, and in 1872 he became the inheritor, upon the death of his father. This farm consists of 200 acres of superior land, finely im- proved, the most of the improvements having been made by our subject; he also owns a tract of land in Codorus Township. Mr. Johnston is one of the solid, substantial citizens of York County; he is en- terprising in all matters of public improvement, and one of the esteemed citizens of the county. Mr. Johnston was married, in 1857, to Miss Julia Bott, a daughter of Jacob Bott, of Jackson Town- ship, and of an old family. Three children have been born to them: Sarah Smyser, William Allen (deceased at the age of eighteen) and an infant daughter. The family have always been members of the Lutheran and Episcopal denominations.

M. W. LAU is a native of York County, and was born in West Manchester Township in 1844; his father Michael Lau, was a native of York County, and a farmer of West Manchester Township, until his death. Catherine (Wolf) Lau, mother of our subject. is still living. Our subject was reared on a farm and followed farming for fourteen years, seven years in Paradise and seven in Heidelberg Townships. In 1876 he became the agent of the White Sewing Machine Company, which business he has successfully conducted up to the present writing: he is also the general agent for York County for the Reid Creamery, for which valuable machine he has established a large sale. Mr. Lau became a resident of Spring Grove in 1879, where he has since resided. He assisted materially in the movement for the incorporation of the town, and was one of the first election officers. He has served as councilman since Spring Grove became a bor- ough, was the manager and superintendent of the building of the schoolhouse, and is always a public spirited and progressive citizen. Mr. Lau was mar- ried, December 20, 1866, to Miss Lucinda Fishel, daughter of Michael Fishel, of Jackson Township. She died July 14, 1876, leaving three children: Charles K., Henry H. and Minnie K. His second marriage occurred June 1, 1879, when he was united with Miss Elizabeth Ellen Senft, daughter of Isaac Senft, of Codorus Township. They have two children-Luther M. and Paul F. Mr. and Mrs. Lau are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Mr. Lau has been earnestly identified with his church, and has served as deacon since the organization of the church at Spring Grove.

W. H. LOCKEMAN, dealer in agricultural im- plements and wagons, who has recently begun busi- ness in Spring Grove, is a young man worthy of encouragement, being thoroughly acquainted in the

business in which he has embarked. He is a prac- tical machinist, having worked in some of the best shops in the country. He learned the trade of hlacksmith with his father, Frederick Lockeman, of York County.

HENRY K. MARKEL is a native of Shrews- bury Township, and was born in 1833. His great- grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolu- tion. His grandfather, Martin Markel, was also a resident of York County. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Kunkel) Markel, were natives of York County, and farmers of Shrewsbury Township, where his father died in 1850; his mother still re- sides there. Our subject was reared upon the farm, and at the age of eighteen learned the shoe-maker's trade at Glen Rock, and followed that occupation five years in his native township. He next learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed fourteen years, learning in the meantime the machine trade at Glen Rock. He then farmed for twelve years in Codorus Township, and in 1881 came to Spring Grove and established a general machine, repair and jobbing shop, and is now doing a successful and remunerative business. Mr. Markel is a skilled general mechanic. He has served as a councilman and assistant assessor of Spring Grove Borough. In 1852 he married Miss Louisa Bailey, of Shrewsbury Township. They have six children living: Elnora, Sarah J., Mary A., William, George and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Markel are members of the German Re- formed Church.

GEORGE MENGES, a successful and represen- tative business man of York County, was born in Jackson Township in 1848. He is descended from two old families of the county, his parents, Andrew and Caroline (Klinepeter) Menges, natives of the County. His father is a farmer, and George, until the age of twenty-five, continued at home as an assistant. He then farmed the homestead for seven years, also extracting iron ore from the beds upon the land. At the expiration of this period he re- moved to Spring Grove, and embarked upon a more extended field of business, establishing a general trade in coal, lumber, grain, phosphates, etc., in which field he has been eminently successful, and is now enjoying a large patronage. He was the prime mover and worker in securing the incorpor- ation of Spring Grove into a borough, and was the first burgess; he also takes an active interest in the schools and is now serving upon the school board. Mr. Menges has done considerable in building up Spring Grove, and owns several tenement houses and considerable other property, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens and business men of the county. In 1872 he married Miss Amanda Martin, of Jackson Township. They have one child living-Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. Menges are members of the Lutheran Church at Spring Grove.

GEORGE. W. METZGER, M. D., son of Solo- mon and Rebecca (Bower) Metzger, was born in Manchester Township, February 8, 1855. He at- tended the common schools until about thirteen years of age. when he entered the Millersville State Normal School, and studied for two years. In 1874 he commenced reading medicine with Dr. J. B. Kain, of Manchester Borough, and was under his instruction for two years; he then entered Jefferson College. Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1877. The spring of that year he be- gan practice in Jackson Township as successor to Dr. Christian Picking, and has here been very suc- cessful, now owning a brick dwelling, with several acres of ground, on the Gettysburgh pike, one and one-half miles west of Thomasville. June, 17, 1877, he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Yost, and has had born to him by this union: Ale- mena K., John L., Sallie R. and Lizzie. The Doc- tor has been a school director since 1883, and he

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and wife are members of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church. of West Manchester.

JOHN ROTH, son of John and Elizabeth (Spangler) Roth, was born October 3, 1828, aud was brought up on his father's farm. February 10, 1856. he married Susan Schwartz, daughter of John and Catharine (Myers) Schwartz, of Jackson Town- ship. Nine children were born to them: Emma, Jacob (deceased), Ellen, Henry (deceased), Moses (deceased), Ida, Amanda, Susanna and John. Mr. Roth's ancestors were probably the first settlers in that neighborhood. His great-grandfather took up land where our subject now lives, and this land has been in the Roth family continuously down to pres- ent time. (See history of Roth's Church in this volume.)

L. A. ROTH. M. D., was born in Adams County. Penn., in 1849, and is the youngest of the nine children born to Jonas and Barbara (Kauffman) Roth. The father of our subject was born in Jackson Township in 1800, was a farmer, and about 1822 removed to Adams County, where he died in 1871; his widow, Barbara Roth, died in 1884. Subject's paternal grandfather, Abraham Roth, whose grandparents emigrated from Switzerland about 1720, and located in York County, was an old settler of the county, and was a farmer and Men- nonite minister and bishop. L. A. Roth was reared a farmer and received his education at the common schools and at the normal school at Millersville three years, and afterward taught school. In 1865 he served six months with the One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, through North and South Carolina, and else- where, and at the age of eighteen commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Thrall, of Burlington, N. J., remaining with him seven years-three in partnership. He graduated from a New York medical college and filled the chair of anatomy for three years in the New York Hygeio-Therapeutic Medical College (founded in 1852 and chartered by the New York legislature in 1857), and for two years practiced in Adams County. In 1878 he located. in partnership with Dr. John Wiest, in Jackson Township, where he has since enjoyed a good practice. In 1878 he married Miss Rosa, daughter of ex-Sheriff Jacob Plank, of Adams County, and has had born to him two children: Leroy and Ralph.

GEORGE SEILER is a native of Adams County, Penn., and was born in 1837. His parents were Charles and Sarah (Bollinger) Seiler. They subse- quently became residents of York County, where they remained until their death at Spring Grove. The father died in 1881, the mother, in 1877. Three children are now living, of whom George is the youngest. He learned the miller's trade with his father, and followed that occupation about twenty years in York County He subsequently learned the trade of painter with Garrett Bros., of Williamsport, and has followed it until the present time with marked success. Mr. Seiler became a resident of Spring Grove about 1874, where he has since resided. and been identified with all its prog- ress. He was one of the leaders in securing the incorporation of the town. and was the first asses- sor, and one of the first election officers. Mr. Seiler was elected chief burgess of the borough in 1884 (February), and is a member of Mount Olivet Lodge No. 997, 1. O. O. F. In 1858 he married Eliza Raber, of North Codorus Township, who died January 8, 18-, leaving two children: Mary E. and Charles H. R. Mr. Seiler was united to his present wife April 3, 1882. Her maiden name was Belle Zehring, and she is a native of Jefferson Borough, York County. Mr. Seiler is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, of Spring Grove, and his wife of the German Reformed Church of Jefferson.

JOHN K. SHAFFER, a son of John and Polly (Kerr) Shaffer, was born in Heidelberg Township, July 6. 1829. His ancestors were among the early settlers of York County. His grandfather, John Shaffer, a native of York County, at the age of eighteen, was enrolled for service in the Revolu- tionary army. He resided in the county all of his life, and died at the advanced age of ninety-five years. The father of our subject lived in the county until his death, at the age of eighty years. John K. was reared on a farm, and learned the trade of blacksmith from his father. This occupation he has always followed in connection with farming. He is a skillful and efficient workman, and for the past five years has conducted his business in the borough of Spring Grove. Mr. Shaffer married Elizabeth Moul. She is the daughter of Henry Moul, of Heidelberg, and also a descendant of an old family of the county. The town of Moulsville (near Hanover) was settled by her ancestors. Five children have blessed their union: Martin, Jacob (deceased), Henry (deceased), Caroline Baker and Annie Kessler.

MICHAEL D. SMYSER, son of Daniel and Catherine (Weist) Smyser, was born March 27, 1842. in Jackson Township, where he was reared on his father's farm. In 1867 he moved to Franklin Town- ship, and after fifteen years residence he returned to Jackson Township, and removed to his present home in Spring Grove in the spring of 1885, and began business in grain, all kinds of feed, flour, coal, phosphates, etc. Mr. Smyser is the owner of valuable real estate in Spring Grove, having 110 feet of ground fronting on Main Street, and extend- ing back to Glatfelter's Sideling, on which are erected four buildings on Main Street, two ware- houses, etc. In addition to this Mr. Smyser owns a house and lot on Water Street and a lot on Main Street, and is building a new warehouse in place of the old one. April 15, 1866, Mr. Smyser married Magdaline Menges, daughter of Andrew and Caro- line (Klinepeter) Menges, of Jackson Township. This marriage was blessed with four children: Henry Howard, Edith Ellen, Andrew Willard and Ada May. In the late war Mr. Smyser enlisted in Company H, Two Hundredth Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, and was with the regiment at Butler's Front, Fort Stedman, Petersburg, at the surrender of Petersburg, and also at the surrender of Lee's army. He was mustered out of service at Alexandria, Va., and honorably discharged at Har- risburg at the close of the war. Our subject's grand- father was Michael Smyser. His grandmother's maiden name was Wolf.

I. C. UMBERGER, a native of Dauphin County, Penn., was born in 1853. He first learned the trade of stone cutter at Baltimore. He was in the employ of the Nevada Central Railroad, at his trade, a period of eight years, and in 1883 became a resident of Spring Grove, embarking in the bakery business with W. J. Dyer, which partner- ship was dissolved after a few months-Mr. Umher- ger retiring from the firm. He then started his present business, the green grocery and provision business, together with shipping poultry, butter, eggs, etc. Mr. Umberger has established a thriv- iug trade, and is an enterprising and respected citi- zen. He was united in marriage, in 1873, with Lizzie A. Schock, .a native of Maryland. They have two children living: John and Irene. Mr. Umberger is a member of Humane Lodge No. 342, I. O. O. F., of York, and with his wife is con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church of York.

GEORGE G. WAGNER, son of John and Elizabeth (Glatfelter) Wagner. was born in Codo- rus Township, January 15, 1850. His grandfather. Jacob, a farmer and a native of the county, died

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about 1870; John Wagner died about 1880. George G. Wagner assisted on the home farm until about sixteen years old, when he took a two years' course in Manchester College and then became a clerk. In 1875 he opened a store at Menges' Mill, twelve miles west of York, and continuing three years; in 1878 he opened at Spring Forge, where he is now doing a successful general trade, and where, in 1882, he was appointed assistant postmaster. March 25, 1875, he married Alice Jane, daughter of Jesse and Malinda Kraft, and to this union have been born Alvertus, Mabel Pauline, Irvin Jesse and Lottie Elmira. Mr. Wagner is the owner of a good brick dwelling and store-room combined at Spring Forge, and with his wife is a member of the Luther- an Church.

N. G. WAGNER, son of John and Elizabeth (Glatfelter) Wagner, was born in 1851, in York County. His grandfather, Jacob Wagner, was also a native of York County, and died in Manheim Township. John Wagner, the father of our sub- ject, was a farmer through life; his widow is still living in Spring Grove. Our subject was reared on a farm, but in October, 1876, entered into mercan- tile business, which he carried on in Manheim Township, and at other points, until 1881, when he came to Spring Grove, where he is now carrying on a large trade. In 1872 he married Alice J. Bortner, of Codorus Township, and by her has six children: Janeva, Charles, Henry T., Mary, Minnie A. and Bessie. Mr. Wagner is a member of Mt. Olivet, No. 997. I. O. O. F., and with his wife a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Spring Grove.

JOHN WIEST was born in Jackson (Paradise) Township, July 19, 1810, and is the son of Michael, a native of the township and Magdalena (Myers) Wiest, of Adams County, Penn. His great-great- grandfather, Wiest, came from Switzerland, and settled as a farmer in Jackson (Paradise) Township. John Wiest is the third in a family of five children, consisting of himself and four sisters: Catherine (Mrs. Michael Emig), Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Rebert), Mary and Eliza (Mrs. Charles Rebert). Elizabeth died February 19, 1880, and Mary died in 1878. Mr. Wiest's homestead comprises twenty-two acres, one-half mile northwest of Spring Grove, beside which he owns a farm of 150 acres in Carroll County, Md. He has held the office of school director of his township several terms and that of township auditor one term; he was also for several years captain of a militia company with head- quarters near Nashville, same township, and since early manhood has been a member of Roth's Re- formed Church, in which for many years he has served as elder. February 8, 1838, he married Eliza- beth, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Maus, of Carroll County, Md., and to his union with her have been born Eliza, Michael, Jacob, Henry, John, Magda- lena. Peter, Mary and Levi D. Levi David Wiest was born January 20, 1859; was reared on the home farm. In 1874 he entered upon a four years' course at the York County Academy. In the winter of 1876-77 he taught school in Jackson Township, and in 1879 entered Pennsylvania College at Gettys- burgh, where he passed two years in the classical course. In 1881 he entered the University of Michi- gan at Ann Arbor, and for two years followed the study of eivil engineering, which he has adopted as his life profession.

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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 183

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