USA > Pennsylvania > Juniata County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Snyder County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Union County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Mifflin County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 31
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SNYDER COUNTY.
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generation. Of their marriage, the following are their issue : Maria, married to N. T. Dun- dore, of Berks County, April 6, 1865 ; Min- erva, married to Isaac Eyer, of Union County, March 23, 1869, whose issue are Witmer, Saralı und Franklin ; Sarah died in infancy.
In his younger days Mr. Witmer showed great interest and delight in the militia of Penn- ylvania, an organization quite popular in its day. He was captain of a company of one hundred and forty men from Chapman town-
judges of the courts. This position he occupied until December, 1857, when, having been elect- ed to the Legislature, he resigned the judgeship. Thus it was that Mr. Witmer became the see- ond member elected to the House from the new county, as one of the representatives of the dis- triet composed of the counties of Juniata, Sny- der and Union. In 1863, after receiving the manimous nomination of his party, he was re- elected an associate judge, and served out his full term of five years. Mr. Witmer has ever
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-hip. In this position he formed many ac- quaintances, and especially when the annual " battalion " came around were his acquaint- ances and popularity increased ; for of all times of good will, genial spirits and mirth, this was the greatest in his younger days. In publie life, Mr. Witmer's experience has been varied and extensive. He hold the offices of justice of the peace, school director, overseer of the poor, anditor of public accounts and notary public. In 1855, upon the formation of the county, he was elected one of the first associate
been a leading man in the county. His judg- ment and ability have often been relied on, as manifested by his neighbors seeking his counsel, and entrusting to him the settlement of their estates, of which trusts he has had no less than sixteen. He has always taken a proper interest in religions matters, and as a member of the Evangelical Association, has proved himself worthy and ever ready with his contributions. His assistance was especially given in the build- ing of Trantman's Church, in Perry township, and the church at Port Treverton.
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Thus have we condensed in a few lines a sketch of a life full of activity, usefulness and honor.
HoN. J. G. L. SHINDEL was born at Sin- bury on September 17, 1818. In his youth he was under the care and instruction of pious and industrions parents, who had much to do in moulding his after-life of usefulness. ITis ad- vantages of gaining an education were limited. In the old log school-house at Sunbury and in 'timed for ten years, when he entered into
Messrs. Eyer & Sehnare. From 1839 to 1816 we find him employed by the firm of J. & Wm. F. Wagenseller. With this experience gained in clerking, and with the hard-earned means which he had carefully saved, in 1816, after leaving the Wagenseller firm, he established his own store on the west side of Market Street, the third lot above the northwest corner of Market and Chestunt Streets. There he con-
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his father's study he acquired knowledge suffi- ; partnership with Dr. P. R. Wagenseller and cient to fit him for the active duties of life. One of his teachers was George A. Snyder, an educated man, and a son of Governor Simon Suyder. At the age of fifteen he entered the store of George Lebrick at Sunbury, performing such services as one of his age was able. He afterwards entered the store of Benjamin Hen- dricks as clerk. In 1836 he came to Selins Grove and was employed in the general store of Sterrett & Schnure. He afterwards clerked for
bought the drug, book and stationery-store of Isaac Gearhart. This firm continued to do business at the southeast corner of Market Square until 1872, when, having had their store destroyed by fire, they dissolved, Mr. Shindel establishing a drug, book and stationery-store in the same room where, twenty-six years be- fore, he had first embarked in trade. Here again he was called to endure the trials of and- Tversity. Scarcely had two years elapsed when
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the five again enveloped his earthly possessions, and what on the morning of October 30, 1871, was a cheerful, well-stocked store and a pros- pro- trade, in the evening was a heap of -montering ruins and shattered hopes. But nothing daunted, he resumed business on a -taller scale in a small room on the south side of' Pine Street, a few doors west of Water Street, and in the following year erected on the site of hi- ruins the present fine brick dwelling and Store, where he continues to reside and conduct business.
On the 18th of January, 1842, Mr. Shindel was joined in wedlock to Miss Abigail Hath- away, of Selin's Grove. Of this union the following were their issue: Isaac II., died in infancy. R. Hathaway, born September 29, 1850; married, December 25, 1872, to Miss Mary M. Himmel, of Selin's Grove, who died July, 1879; on April 12, 1882, married to Mis- Elizabeth Schull, of York, Pa. ; resides at York, engaged in banking. Susan MI., born December 7, 1857 ; married to Simon Kamp, of Milton, where they now reside. James C., born May 24, 1862 ; married to Miss Laura C. Schoch, of' Selin's Grove, Lutheran minister and is serving a congregation at Mount Carmel.
The carliest ancestor of Mr. Shindel of whom wehaveany knowledge was John Shindel, a native of tiermany, who was born at Odenwaldt, Feb- ruary 28, 1732. He was married to Margaret Gephart. He died May 29, 1789, and was fol- lowed by his wife, Margaret, September, 1823, who lived to be upwards of eighty years of age. They cease from their labors, and lie beneath the God of the old Lutheran grave-yard, at Lebanon. These were the great-grandparents of the sub- jet of this article. Their son, John P. Shindel, who was the grandfather of J. G. L. Shindel, was born at Lebanon August 21, 1766, and died September 17, 1829. He also is buried at Lebanon. The father of Mr. Shindel was the Rev. J. P. Shindel, Sr., of sacred and honored memory, and who was well known and loved throughout this whole section of country. He was born at Lebanon and for many years resided at. Simbury as their Lutheran minister. During his residence at this place he had also regular charges in what is now Dauphin, Montour,
Schuylkill, Snyder and Union Counties. Father Shindel, as he was reverently called, was one of those carly preachers who labored in earnest for the cause they esponsed. In sunshine and storm, over dismal and dangerous roads for many a weary mile, he traveled day and night, in order that he might fulfill the mis-jon where- unto he was sent. He was married to Miss Susan MeCulloch. After a life of faithful ser- vice, he died on the 26th day of October, 1853, aged sixty-six years ; and on the 14th of March, 1870, was joined by his faithful wife, who died at the age of eighty-one years. Their issue are as follows : Jeremiah, died, a Lutheran minister, at Allentown, 1870; Solomon, died at Sunbury, 1862 ; John P., a Lutheran minister, residing at Middleburg; Louisa, married to Gidcon Leisenring, died at Selin's Grove, 1853; Susan, intermarried with Samuel Gobin, died at Sun- bury, 1878; Ann Maria, married to Benjamin Hendricks, died at Sunbury, 1877 ; JJacob G. 1 .. , the subject of this sketch ; Daniel W., physician, residing at Sunbury ; Isaac N., died, a physician, at Selin's Grove, 18-47 ; Martin Inther, Lutheran minister, residing at Danville ; Philip Melane- thon, resides at Sunbury. We have thus briefly traced Mr. Shindel's large family connection.
Beside the life of business activity experienced, he has been called to fill numerous positions of honor and trust. In 1853 he was appointed agent for the Susquehanna River, North and West Branch Telegraph Company, and thus became the first telegraph operator in Snyder County. This position he held for nineteen years. This company, after coming under the control of the American Company, was finally embraced in the Western Union. En 1872, upon the removal of the old line of wire, which extended along the river, to the new line, which followed the railroad, his son, R. H. Shindel, who was then agent of the railroad station, be- came the operator. In 1857, Mr. Shindel was appointed postmaster at Selin's Grove, which position he retained until 1861. At the time of locating and establishing the Missionary Insti- tuteat Selin's Grove he manifested much interest and greatly aided the cause. In a few years he was elected treasurer of the institution, and has proved himself one of its main supports. For
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twenty-five years he has had the care, the bur- den and anxiety of managing the finances. His work has always been performed in a successful and satisfactory manner, and the friends of edu- cation and of the Missionary Institute are uuder lasting obligations for his services. In the fall of 1870, Mr. Shindel was elected one of the as- sociate judges of the courts, which position he ! sketch upon these pages.
gregation served for many years as a faithful officer of the council. As trustee his services extended over a period of twenty years. Having thus spent a life full of usefulness and activity, having received honor and confidence from his fellow-men and having done good in his day and generation, we hesitate not in placing his
filled for the full term of five years. About HON. JACOB A. SMITH was born in Centre this period he was also the treasurer of the Sun- I (now Franklin) township December 30, 1825,
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bury and Lewistown Railroad Company and de- | on the farm now owned by T. J. Smith, Esq. voted much of his time and rendered valuable aid in accomplishing the construction and com- pletion of the road.
In religions matters he has always taken the deepest interest. In 1837 he was received into the Lutheran Church at Simbury, by confirma- tion, since which time he has striven to bring no reproach upon his profession. For twenty- two years he was superintendent of the Lutheran Sunday-school at Selin's Grove, and in the con- Iter residing at Middleburg, and the subject of
of Middleburg. He was a son of George Smith, who died when the sou was only three weeks old. His mother's maiden-name was Elizabeth Alspach. He had three brothers and seven sisters. His elder brother was Major Henry A. Smith, who died at Middle- burg, and owned the homestead farm at the time of his death. George A. Smith, a brother, a respected citizen of Beavertown, and one sis-
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this sketch are all that are now living. He remained under the care and training of his mother until, at the age of seventeen years, he was apprenticed to John Hoke, at Middleburg, to learn the carpenter's trade. He served an apprenticeship of two years. He built the first court-house at Middleburg, remodeled the Washington Honse in that town, and ocenpied it three years. His first job in carpentering was the brick house of Preston Cochran, two miles east of Millerstown, Perry County. He carried his tools from Middleburg to Millers- town, a distance of twenty-five miles. In 1862 he bought the " Morr property," in Middle Creek township, and moved there the same year. He commenced the mercantile business in 1866, and has continued to this time-a period of twenty years. June 9, 1868, he laid out a number of lots into a town-plat, and named it "Smithgrove." When he moved here there were only two houses on the farm. Now there is a prosperous village here of abont twenty- five honses, two stores, hotel, post-office, rail- road station and a church. This place is five miles east of Middleburg, on the Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad. Judge Smith was an ardent friend of this railroad. He subscribed and paid one thousand seven hundred dollars towards its completion, devoted much of his time to advance the interests of this road, and donated the land on which the station is located and was the first agent of the company at this place. When he moved here, in 1862, he was appointed postmaster, and held the position un- til 1882, when he resigned, having been elected associate judge, and his daughter was appointed his successor. The office is still kept in the same building. He is the friend and patron of education, and served sixteen years in the office of school director, attending to his duties with fidelity. He also served as assessor and as- sistant assessor. In the summer of 1882 the Democratic Convention of Snyder County nom- inated him for associate judge. After an ex- citing campaign he was elected over an opposi- tion of about six hundred majority, which is abundant evidence of the esteem in which he is held by his constituents throughout the county. Judge Smith was twice married. His first
wife was Malinda Walter, who died at Smith- grove about thirteen years ago. He had two sous and five daughters. Ilis oldest son, Amon, is the operator at Selin's Grove. Ilis second wife was the widow of Samnel Fox, of Philadelphia. Judge Smith is an enterprising and sociable citizen, a faithful member of the Evangelical Association, is a diligent worker in the Sunday-school cause and has delivered many addresses at conventions and celebrations. lle has in his possession a deed on parchment measuring two feet nine inches in length, and two feet one inch in width. It contains the recitals of a patent from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for two hundred and eight acres of land, on which Smithgrove is situated, to Michael Schoch, dated June 9, 1790.
As an associate judge he is obliging and affable, and, during the intervals of the regular sessions of the court, he is frequently required to perform official aets, in which he exercises umch care, and which have proven him to be a safe and honorable judge.
ATTORNEYS.
Upon the formation of Snyder County very few attorneys resided within its borders. New Berlin, the okdl county-seat, was where most of the practicing attorneys located. Immediately upon the formation of the new county, attor- neys commeneed locating at Middleburg, the chosen county-seat. Year after year additional members of the bar were enrolled, so that iu 1857 we find Messrs. Alleman, Cronimiller, Merrill and Weirick at Middleburg ; Hill, Hower and Simpson at Selin's Grove ; and Ma- lick at Freeburg.
At the period just mentioned, and for some years after, the suitors residing in Snyder County continued to retain their attorneys as employed when the two counties were in one, and thus for a number of years the courts of Snyder County were well attended by members of the Union County bar. But as the bar of Snyder County increased in members and abil- ity, and the older attorneys of Union County passed away, the new and younger citizens of the county employed the attorneys of their own district, so that to-day the practice of the county
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has settled upon the attorneys residing therein. In 1879 a Bar Association was formed by the attorneys of Snyder, whereupon Samuel Alle- 1 man was elected its first president ; L. N. My- ers, vice-president ; Thomas J. Smith, treasurer; and John II. Arnold, secretary.
The following sketches embrace all the attor- neys who located and practiced in the county :
Ilox. SAMUEL Wimmer was born in Union County in the year 1808. In the early part of 1832 he commenced the study of law, and at the same time was elerk for the commissioners of Union County. He was admitted to practice May 15, 1834. In 1846 he occupied the posi- tion of deputy attorney-general, and in the legislative sessions of 1848 and 1849 repre- sented the district composed of Union and JJu- niata Counties. Upon the formation of Sny- der County he removed from New Berlin to Middleburg, where he resided and continued his practice up to the time of his death, Febri- ary 9, 1869. While a resident of Middleburg he for a number of years was attorney and comisel for the commissioners of Snyder Com- ty. Mr. Weirick was a successful practitioner in the law, a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church and a useful and npright citizen.
Ilox. GEORGE M. ZEIGLER was born at Gettysburg, Adams County, May 21, 1816. When about seventeen years of age he was ap- prenticed to the printer's trade, under Jacob Lefever, of Gettysburg, with whom he remain- ed nearly three years. But not satisfied with the mere learning of his trade, young Zeigler improved all his spare time in study, taking a course in the Greek and Latin classics, by re- citing in the evenings to one of the professors in Pennsylvania College. About 1838 he com- meneed the study of law, under the instruction of Samuel A. Purviance, in Butler County, and in 1810 was admitted to practice. Mr. Zeigler first opened his office for practice in Kittanning, where he remained three years. He then re- moved to Brookville, Jefferson County, and practiced there for fifteen years, when he came to Selin's Grove, and commenced his practice in Snyder County. Mr. Zeigler remained in this county two years, he owning and ocenpying the
Snyder mansion during his residence here. In October, 1861, he went to Sunbury, Northim- berland County, where he still remains in the active practice of his profession. While a re- ident of Jefferson County Mr. Zeigler wa- thrice elected a member of the House of Rep- resentatives, viz. : 1851, 1855, 1861.
Hos. SAMUEL ALLEMAN, the oldest child of John and Elizabeth (Moekert) Alleman, was born at Maytown, Lancaster County, Pa., on the 2d of February, 1818, and died on the 28th of February, 1881, at Selin's Grove, Snyder County. His remains are interred in the Evan- gelical Intheran grave-yard at the latter place, his grave being marked by a massive granite stone, bearing simply the inscription of his name and the dates of his birth and death. He was born of pions and industrious parents, who, though iable to raise their family in case and affluence, struggled with limited means to rear their offspring in honor and rectitude. Sammel Alleman was the eldest of three brothers, cach of whom selected one of the three popular pro- fessions for his calling in life. His brothers are the Rev. Monroe J. Alleman, now of York, and Dr. Horace Alleman, for many years a practicing physician at Hanover, York County. ITis sisters are Catharine, married to Lewis Steimetz, of Lancaster County, and Anna Mary, married to Isaac Groff, also of Lancaster County.
Early in life Sammel Alleman was thrown upon his own resources, and by industry and economy was enabled to obtain a liberal educa- tion at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. Work- ing at times in the hay and harvest-fields, and again by teaching, he raised sufficient funds to enable him to store his mind with that knowl- edge which served him so well in after-years. About 1810, after leaving Pennsylvania Col- lege, he was again engaged in teaching at Mil- lorsburg, Danphin County, at which place, and in the surrounding neighborhood, he is still favorably remembered by many of the older citizens. Upon the election of Samuel Fance as sheriff of Dauphin County, Samuel Alle- man was made his deputy, and together they moved to Harrisburg. During the years 18 12- 43 he studied law in the office of C'rouse &
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Boas, at Harrisburg, and, on the 19th of August, 115, was admitted to the bar of Dauphin County. On the 18th of May, 1816, Mr. Al- I'mnan was married to Miss Am E. Holman, ·Idest daughter of the late Samuel and Sarah Hartz) Holman, of Harrisburg. The follow- ing are their issue, all of whom were born at Harrisburg: Horace, born February 7, 1847; married September 28, 1871, to Miss Matilda J. Pierre, of Gettysburg; issue-Henry Pierce, Ama Margaret and Mary Cotta. Charles Hol- man, born January 1, 1850; died at Hanover, Pa., April 29, 1873. Sarah Elizabeth, born February 5, 1853 ; died at Selin's Grove, July 28, 1870. John Sylvanus, born May 22, 1855; now resides in Harrisburg engaged in the practice of law ; in 1879 was admitted to practice at the Philadelphia bar ; married, Oc- tober 11, 1882, to Miss Cordelia 1. Domer, of Washington, D. C .; issne-Coleridge Domer.
During the administration of Governor Will- iam F. Johnston, Samuel Alleman occupied the Ausition of chief clerk in the State Department, midler Hon. Townsend Haines and Hon. A. L. Russell, secretaries of the commonwealth, and held the same until Governor Johnston's suc- cessor was inaugurated. This position he filled with great ability, and, being an excellent scribe, he acquired the distinction of being one of the finest clerks that ever occupied the office. In 1856 he removed from Harrisburg to Snyder County, shortly after its formation, where, en- gaged in the practice of his chosen profession, he remained up to the time of his death. About the year 1861 he was elected county superin- tendent of the public schools, and served in this capacity the full term of office.
In the beginning of 1865, Mr. Alleman moved with his family from Middleburg to Selin's Grove, and took possession of the Gover- nor Suyder mansion, where, on the date before stated, he breathed his last. During the logis- lative session of 1861-65 he was a member of the House of Representatives from the district composed of the counties of Lycoming, Snyder ind Union. While thus a member, among other bills introduced by him, one provided for the incorporation of the Middle Creek Railroad Company, which was afterwards changed to the
Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad Company, now in successful operation, daily adding to the enlightenment and prosperity of the county. Another, which also became an act, provided for the immediate removal of the county-seat from Middleburg to Selin's Grove, the largest and chief business-place of the county. The object of this act, through the folly and delay of some of the very individuals who would have been directly benefited by the removal, was never realized. Though severe opposition from the western half of the county existed at the time, it gradually passed away, so that even in some instances, those who were most bitter, came to acknowledge the policy and advantage of having Selin's Grove the county-seat. But this subject is entirely abandoned, and it will doubtless be many years before another legisla- for will be able to offer to the citizens of Selin's Grove what was offered by Samuel Alleman. During the year 1870-71 Mr. Alleman was the ellivient secretary of the Sunbury and Lewis- town Railroad Company. The road was then finally constructed and put in operation ; the services rendered at this period by Mr. Alle- man were of the most important character. In 1872 he was the choice of the Republican party of the county for Congress, and had he pressed his claims, would doubtless have been the nominee of the district, with fair prospects of a seat in the halls of national legislation. ITe was also honored by his party in the county with the nomination of delegate to the Constitu- tional Convention of 1873, but failed in the dis- triet nomination. From time to time Mr. Allman filled a member of minor offices in the county and borough in which he lived, always fulfilling the respective requirements of the positions he occupied. As a lawyer, his experi- once was extensive, and he enjoyed the full con- fidence and patronage of' many of the leading citizens of the county. In his relations to his follow-men, Mr. Alleman was always regar- ded a Christian gentleman. For many years he was a member of the Lutheran Church, manifesting great interest in its prosperity, and frequently contributing with liberality for the furtherance of its different departments. The doctrines of his church he carefully in-tilled
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into his family, and upon this foundation were they reared. During his life he had the grati- fication of seeing each of his children becoming intelligent members of the same church. Mr. Alleman had at all times a proper conception of the importance of education and the require- ments necessary for its proper advancement. Whether as teacher, county superintendent or director of the public schools, and the Mission- ary Institute, he was ever earnest in performing what he knew was for the best interests of the young. He was a useful citizen, a man of honor and integrity of character. To the poor and humble he was kind and generous. In the bestowal of alms, he sought not the praise of men, but performed his acts of charity with a deep sense of his accountability to his God. In social life he was hospitable and warm-hearted. On no occasion did his noble nature manifest itself more strongly than when entertaining his friends around the festive board. Mr. Al- leman was a man endowed with fine executive ability, and was one of the representative men of the county. Of such men it may well be. said that the world has been benefited by their having lived in it.
CHARLES MERRILL, was born in Union County, 1823. At the age of twenty-one he commenced the study of law under the instruc- tion of his father, JJames Merrill, and was ad- mitted to practice two years later, December 16, 1816. Upon the formation of Snyder County, Mr. Merrill moved to Middleburg, where he continned to practice up to the time of his en- listment, during the Rebellion, as a member of Compimy II, Thirty-first Penn'a Volunteers. He died December 25, 1865, in the prime of man- hood, being but forty-two years of age. In character and disposition Mr. Merrill was ever honest and honorable, and at all times mani- fested the warmest feelings and an over willing- ness to accommodate. As a lawyer, his mind was well stored with principles and technicali- ties of jurisprudence, and he was regarded as possessed of one of the finest legal minds in this section of country.
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