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 49
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 49
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 49
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 49
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 49
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Roy. Isaac Gerhart, a Reformed minister at Freeburg, from 1813 to 1818, assisted by Fred- erick Eyer, prepared a musical work in 1817 called " Choral Harmonie." It was afterward revised and sold to Colonel Henry C. Eyer. It was well adapted to church music and it is to- day used as the leading note-book in our Ger- man congregations in Suyder and adjoining counties.
Rev. Daniel Weiser, when he was serving the Reformed congregation at Freeburg, translated a work of the distinguished divine, Matthew Mead, of London. Although he was not the anthor of the work, the translation of it was a literary task requiring much labor. The work in English is called "Almost a Christian," in German, " Begnaha ein Christ." It contains sound religious truths that have not grown old with the lapse of years.
Daniel Dieffenbach, for many years a teacher in our common schools and a noted mathemati-
cian, published a German book in the year 18 10 containing three Inudred and sixty pages, cuti- titled "Scig Jesus," (Victory of Jesus). It is a religious work and the author bestowed mich time and attention on it.
Rev. Henry Zeigler, D.D., while he was pro- fessor of theology of the Theological Depart- ment of the Missionary Tustitute, at Selin's Grove, composed and published a work on theology.
Daniel S. Boyer wrote twelve chapters oll Snyder County, which were published in the Freeburg Courier, together with the Centennial address he delivered at Freeburg in 1876, and his six addresses on agriculture delivered at the Gratz Fair, in Dauphin County, during six suc- cessive years. Also, twelve articles on the life of Governor Snyder published in the Selin's Grore Times, and a historie address delivered at Selin's Grove at the unveiling of the mon- ment of Governor Snyder, published in the Freeburg News, and a translation of the sermon delivered by Rev. J. P. Shindel at the funeral of Governor Snyder.
Frederick C. Moyer was born near Free- burg in 1810. He was a son of Christopher Moyer, who was born at Campbellstown, Lch- anon County. He commenced in the mercan- tile business in April, 1832, at Freeburg, and continued nine years, when his youngest brother, George C. Moyer, became his partner, and the firm was styled G. & F. C. Moyer, and continued as such to this time. He was in the mercantile business fifty-three years. In the year 1838 he moved into the house he now occu- pies and commenced a hotel on the northwest cor- ner of South and Market Streets. He continued thirty-eight years. In 1876 he remodeled his house, raising it to three stories-the upper story used as a musical college and second story for sleeping apartments for the students of the college. He has also been extensively engaged in agriculture, introduced ditching low lands, straightening creeks and weed lime extensively. In this he was afterwards imitated by many of his neighbors. He was a trustee of the Milllin- burg Academy,-a State institution during the years 1811, '15 and '46 ; an auditor of' Huion County from 1817 to 1850 ; director of the first
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bank established at Lewisburgh ; postmaster for twelve years, under the administrations of Harrison, Taylor and Lincoln ; he also served three years as one of the auditors of Suyder County. He is a member of the Reformed Church and served as trustee for the congrega- tiou for thirty-four years, aud conducted con- gregational singing many years. He has a family of nine children. Daniel B. and John (. died after they had attained to manhood. Ilis three sons-William, Philip B. and Henry B. Moyer-also live in Freeburg ; also Caro- line, intermarried with S. G. Hilbish ; Lydia, interm: rried with 11. Brown ; Jane, intermar- ried with F. E. Ililbish ; Sarah, who was intermarried with Dr. J. C. Shaeffer (now deceased).
Rev. Isaac Gerhart, Reformed minister, in 1820 formed a class in voral music, when Mr. Mover received his first instruction in the " art divine." In 1826 he became a successful unsie-teacher, having classes in different locali- ties. In 1834 he was selected to lead the sing- ing in church and continued twenty-seven years. When he retired his son, William Moyer, succeeded him. He erected the musi- cal college at Freeburg, which was dedicated September 2, 1871,-a " Normal School of' Music, well supplied with pianos and organs." Two sessions, of six weeks' duration, have been held every year since its establishment. - musical convention, of one week's duration, has also been held every year, in the mouth of January, under his directorship.
PHILHARMONIC MUSICAL SOCIETY .- The Philharmonie Musical Society, of Freeburg, was incorporated October 28, 1879. The in- corporators were H. 11. Grimm, Esq., William HI. Moyer, T. J. Forrey, W. H. Dill, Esq., F .. G. Glass, William 11. Grinn, S. Ed. Grimm, Dr. D. C. Nipple, W. A. Glass, C. A. Glass, J. A. Hilbish, E. S. Willis and JJ. W. Scanlan. The first trustees were II. 11. Grimm, W. II. Moyer and T. J. Forrey. The object of the association is the practice of vocal and instru- mental music and discussions on the subject of music. This society meets regularly every Wednesday evening in Boyer's Hall, where
piano, charts and other necessary furnitme. It is divided into a junior and senior department. Each department has its time of meeting for practice. They have held four musical conven- tions in Boyer's Hall of one week's duration. Dr. W. O. Perkins, of Boston, the noted author of musical works, conducted three of these con- ventions, and Professor W. W. Keenan, of New York, conducted two conventions, and he has also taught four terms of six weeks during the summer of 1884-85. All the conventions and music terms were well patronized. The present officers are HI. H. Grimm, president; Daniel S. Boyer, secretary; W. P. Moyer, assistant seere- tary; Sarah E. Haines, treasurer; W. H. Grimm, conductor of senior department ; W. HI. Morgan, conductor of junior department ; Maggie E. Glass, organist of senior department ; Lizzie R. Dill, organist of junior department. Each member pays a certain amount of weekly chies.
George C. Moyer was born near Freeburg, in Washington township, Union (now Snyder) County, Pa., April 7, 1816, and is a son of Chris- topher Moyer and his wife, Betty, whose maiden- name was Howerter. His parents emigrated to the above county from Lebanon County, Pa., about the year 1798. Christopher Mover began life as a farmer, until about the year 1818, when he went into the mercantile business ; he followed this business until 1832.
George C. Moyer received a common-school education. He began to work on his father's farm, near Freeburg, from his boyhood to the year 1833, when he learned the tanning business and followed it until 1811. On the 9th of March, 1811, he associated himself with his brother, Frederick C. Moyer, in the mercantile business, under the firm-name of G. & F. C. Moyer, which, up to this writing (September 5, 1885), has not been dissolved.
In his younger days Mr. Moyer served as major under the militia law of Pennsylvania. He has held many offices in his native town- ship. Ile aided in establishing the Freeburg Academy, which was founded in 1853, and was one of the first three trustees elected. After the destruction of the academy building by fire, October 13. 1555. he was chosen as a member
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of the building committee for the rebuilding of that institution and was its treasurer for the long period of thirty years. He was one of the first directors of the First National Bank of Selin's Grove, and has held the office since it was chartered, during a period of twenty-one years, and is now one of the two surviving charter members. March 17, 1865, he was appointed by Governor A. G. Curtin as associate judge for an nnexpired term. October 8, 1868, he was elected to the same office for a full term of five years. He was one of the building committee of the Lutheran and Reformed Church of Free- org in 1868-69. Tu 1874 he served as presi- dent of the Union Agricultural Association of Selin's Grove. July 17, 1871, he was appointed as postmaster of Freeburg, which position he has held for upwards of eleven years. He was the first prospector for iron-ore in the vi- cinity of Freeburg, which has led to extensive operations in different parts of the township. Mr. Moyer is a member of the Reformed Church and has held the offices of deacon, elder and treasurer. February 1, 1812, he was mar- ried to Miss Eliza Fisher, a daughter of the late Michael Fisher, of Selin's Grove, and has five surviving children-two sons and three daughters.
William Moyer, son of Frederick C. Moyer and his wife, Mary A., daughter of John Boyer, was born in Freeburg, Snyder County, Pa., September 27, A.D. 1834. During his youth he was employed at his parents' home in the pursuit of agriculture, hotel and store, and attending the village school.
From 18IS to 1853 he attended school at Berrysburg Classical Institute, Aaron (. Fisher's select school at Selin's Grove, Tuscarora Academy, Berrysburg Seminary and Freeburg Academy.
In the interim he also acquired the art of marble-cutting, working under instructions in Philadelphia in 1852. He taught classes in vocal music in the counties of Dauphin, Juniata, Northumberland, Union and in nearly every school district of Snyder County. He organized his first class at Elizabethville, Dauphin County, in 1853. He taught public school in the double brick school-house on the site now
occupied by the Lutheran and Reformed Church, in Freeburg, for four successive terms, of four months each, from 1851 to 1857. In October, 1858, he was elected contity surveyor of Suyder County for three years. He married Sarah C., daughter of John A. and Amelia Hilbish, at Montgomery's Ferry, Pa., December IS, Isto. January, 1862, he was elected secretary of Freeburg Academy, and served continously for twenty-one years. He was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools in 1863, and retained to the year 1872. He was com- missioned notary public by Govs. Curtin and Geary from 1864 to 1876; elected a director, in 1876, of the Selin's Grove and New Berlin Railroad. March 13, 1875, he was elected a justice of the peace ; re-elected in 1880 and 1885, filling many fiduciary appointments of trust, as executor, administrator, assignce and guar- dian. The honorary degree of Master of Arts was conferred mpon him by Franklin and Marshall College, June, 1879. He was re- elected a fourth term to the office of county superintendent of schools in IS81. He has had charge of the vocal department in the Musical College since its establishment, and is the musical conductor at its annual conventions. Ile was received into the membership of the Reformed Church, at Freeburg, by confirmation, in 1855. In May, 1855, he was elected one of the superintendents of the Lutheran and Re- formed Sunday-school, and has so continned for thirty years, representing his school in county convention and his county at the Pennsylvania State Association, convened in Philadelphia, Williamsport, Lancaster and John-town. le has served as secretary of the Reformed con- gregation since 1861. In 1883 he was chosen to the office of elder, and subsequently elected delegate to West Susquehanna Classis, which elected him a delegate to represent it at the Gen- eral Synod at Baltimore, Md., May, ISS 1.
PV1.I .. VS.
Pallas, a small village situated four miles south of Freeburg, contains hotel, store and a post-office. B. P. Stranh is postmaster, and is engaged in the mercantile business. The place i was established by Daniel Eisenhart, who
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moved here about twenty years ago from Northumberland. He was elected sherif of the county. At the expiration of his term he moved to Shamokin, where he now resides, and his son-in-law, Mr. Straub, resides here. This was known as the JJohn Boyer property.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOHN WIRST.
John Wiest was born in Uniontown, Dau- phin County, Pa., December 25, 1829. 11e was a son of Jacob Wiest, a respected and worthy citizen, who was noted for his correct habits and good business qualifications. His mother's maiden-name was Maria Tobias. He was baptized in his infancy, and wassubsequently received as a member of the Reformed Church by Rev. Adam Leisz, at Uniontown. He em- braced every opportunity afforded him to ac- quire knowledge in his youthful days, and became an excellent and rapid penman, and quite early in life developed business qualifica- tions. He was obedient to the commands of his parents and devoted his leisure hours to While he resided at Philadelphia he was noted for his activity in the cause of the Chris- tian Church, of which he was a devoted mem- ber, and took a great interest in all the agencies diligent study. The studions habits which he formed in his youth were practiced by him during his whole life. In him we have an exemplification of the truth, -- " Just as the !adopted to extend the kingdom of Christ on twig is bent the tree's inclined."
In the year 1848 he left the parental roof and became a salesman in the extensive dry- goods house of Sieger, Lamb & Co., Philadel- phia. His success as a salesman was an aston- isInnent to all who knew him, and very early in life he became a member of the firm. He continned a member of this establishment until he had acquired wealth, when he retired from this firm, having added greatly to the busi ness of this house. After this he made fon trips over the continent to Colorado, when railroad facilities extended ouly to Missouri, and a large part of these trips was made by stage and private conveyances through an mi- settled country, and where many nureconciled Indians lived and regarded stranger- and travel- ers with suspicion.
July 8, 1856, he married Eunna J. Boyer, youngest daughter of Isme Boyer, a successful merchant at Freeburg, a lady of excellent char- arter and good training. Her only sister, Kate, is the wife of Edward Barsler, Esg., a promi- nent citizen of Freeburg. Nine years prior to his death he left Philadelphia and moved to Freeburg, where he resided at the time of his death. During his residence here he was en- gaged in selling groceries, and had established a very extensive trade through Snyder and other counties, and the salary he received was abin- dant evidence of his success in the business he was engaged in. He continued in the active pursuit of his business until five months prior to his death, when he was compelled to abandon it on account of failing health, and gradually grew worse, expiring at his home Angust 7, 1883, aged fifty-four years. His wife survives him, together with one daughter, Mary, and two sons, Albert and Howard ; also four broth- ers,-George, Elias, William and Daniel ; and two sisters,-Lizzie, wife of Dr. Sminkey, a physician, living at Gratz, Dauphin County, and -, wife of John Bingaman, at George- town.
earth, and gave liberally of his means for that purpose. That he was able to fulfill so many engagements for benevolent and Christian pir- poses and not neglect his other business, has often caused the surprise of those who knew him. Those who knew him best were aware that he was receiving the fulfillment of the promise, -- " They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength."
He was treasurer of the Pennsylvania State Sunday-school Association a number of years, and was a devoted friend of the Sunday-school canse. He was an older in the Reformed Church at the time of his death, and an active member of the prayer-meeting in the Freeburg congregation and teacher of the Bible-class in commection with the Sunday-school, and memor- ial services were held in honor of his memory
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by the members of the Sunday-school, consist- ing of addresses and resolutions. He was an honorary member of the Philharmonie Society at. Freeburg, and suitable resolutions were en- tered on the minutes of the association, and Professor Daniel S. Boyer delivered a eulogy on his life in the society's hall, August 15, 1883. He was one of eight persons who started the Young Men's Christian Association in Philadelphia, John Wanamaker also being one | that day."
findeth to do, do it with thy might, For there ist . work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wissbm in the grave, whither thou goest." "Ir I am now ready to be offered, and the tim y of my departure is at hand. I have kept thet faith. I have fought the good fight. 1 have finished my @ urse. Henceforth there is laid up for ie a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, il righteous Judge, shall give me at
of them. Rev. J. A. Bomberger, D.D., his for- mer pastor at Philadelphia, preached an appro- priate discourse at his funeral from the words Hleb. vi. 12: " That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Revs. Ilaas and Wampole also participated in the exercises. The following words from Holy Scripture, we believe, epitomize the life of the deceased :-
In life he maintained his Christian character, and was respected as such by all who knew him. He has gone to his grave honored and respected.
AUGUSTUS SPRINGMAN.
One of Suyder County's most successful farmers is Mr. Augustus Springman, of Wash- ington township. He was born near Neiser, in Prussia, on the 4th day of March, 1827. His father, Joseph Springman, married Miss Hede-
" And I heard a voice from Heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth." " Whatsoever thy hand ! wick Kronse, and to them were born John,
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Augustus, Annie and Maria. By his second ! competency. He went out into the city, and, wife he had two children, viz., Em mons ad " - Caroline. Mr. Springman died in $8 10, "iv-
- ing his wife 'and children in limited cire mn- stanees, and the young Augustus at the m cy
household of Mr. Herman Humbold, of Fred- erickseck, in Prussia. Mr. Humboldt was a very wealthy man and lived in grand style, and, while in his service, Mr. Springman wore a suit of livery which cost five hundred dollars. lu 1851 he went to Berlin, and, after seeking in vain for Inerative employment, was forced to accept work in a soap-factory at four dollars per month ; and though his employer was very wealthy, his help were compelled to live on what was left after the family had eaten, and Mr. Springman went hungry many a day. He finally left the soap-factory and sought other employment, and, while doing so, was arrested by the Berlin police and locked up. On ais release he started for his home on foot. Ile had two hundred miles to walk, and often became so famished for food that he gathered up and ate what the farmers had thrown away as use- less. But these were not the only times he had known want. In the winter of 1848, when the times in Germany were very bad, he bought the sweepings of a grist-mill floor, baked it into ' bread and ate it. In February, 1852, he left his native town as the pioneer emigrant from the place, and embarked in a sailing vessel at Bremen for Baltimore, paying forty-five dol- lars for his fare and outfit. He had received from his brother, as his share of his father's estate, the sum of fifty-five dollars. The last of March, after a long and stormy passage, he landed in Baltimore, Md., with $2.56 in his pocket and unable to speak a word of English. Ile had no idea of what he would do or where he should go. He was young, strong, indns- trious and temperate, and had come to the new world to carve out for himself a home and a
not knowing which way to go, threw up a cane he had brought from Germany, in accordance with an old German custom, and as the head of the cane pointed so was he to go. A fellow- of his step-mother. After his father's dont], he ' countryman who saw the act approached him hired ont to watch sheep and received the sum of two dollars per year f . his ser- vices. After two years spent n watching sheep and cows he hired 'out to farmers, and then received eight dollars " year's work. We next find him serving .. waiter in the and asked him where he wanted to go. Ile replied that he did not know the name of the place. The stranger named several places, and when he mentioned Harrisburg Mr. Springman said that was the place, and was shown to the depot. Ile went in and put all his money in the window and asked for a billet to Harris- burg. The agent did not understand him, when a strange gentleman stepped forward and said, " The man wants a ticket to Harrisburg." The agent pushed the money back and said there was not enough to take him to Harrisburg. The stranger gave him enough to make the required amount, and has never been seen or heard from by Mr. Springman since.
Arrived in Harrisburg, the question was what to do and where to go. He had not a cent of money, and had not had anything to eat since the day before. He inquired of a man who could talk German where he could find a German hotel, and one was shown him, to which he at once betook himself and asked the proprietor for food, after explaining his desti- tute circumstances. He was ordered ont of the house, but finally persuaded the German land -. lord to give him some breakfast and a room by leaving with him his watch and clothing. His search for work was at first unsuccessful, but he finally obtained work in unloading a raft of lumber, for which he received sixteen dollars, and, by working almost night and day, he finished a two weeks' job in three days. The man who had given him the work then gave him another raft to unload for seventeen dol- lars. After the raft was unloaded he had no difficulty in obtaining employment, and in two weeks after his arrival in Harrisburg he had fifty dollars after paying all expenses and re- placing the clothes he had lost by fire soon after he arrived. He then worked his passage in a boat to the Red Bank Furnace, in County, where he obtained employment. Ilis fellow-laborers were Irish, and did all in their
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power to make his work hard and to get him discharged. He kept on in the even tenor of his way, doing his work well and bearing as well as he could the ill-will of his fellows. But he could not always put up with their abuse, and he thrashed several of them. At last four of them attacked him, with the intention of killing him. He had been warned and was prepared for them, and he laid about him with a piece of crowbar to such good purpose that |
the Freeburg Academy, and, under the in-true- tion of Prof. D. S. Boyer, learned to read and weite English and certain forms and caleu- lations useful to a business man.
While traveling in Juniata County he made the acquaintance of Miss Josephine Bird, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (McCoy) Bird, whom he married March 15, 1816. She was born July 2, 1812, and was a descendant ot the Bird family, of Philadelphia, who came
Augustins Springuran
one of them was badly hurt and the rest put to from Scotland before the Revolution and settled flight. He then asked his employer for his near Harrisburg, where they became a wealthy and prominent family. After his marriage Mr. Springnam came to Freeburg, where he bought a home and engaged in the real estate business ; also dealt in horses and cattle. In 1865 he bought the Wingus farm, on which he remained until 1870, when he bought, in Sunbury, a I grist-mill and flour and feed-store. He re- mained in Sunbury one year ; then sold out and returned to Freeburg, where be bought thu discharge, but instead was made a boss, and his assailants were severely reprimanded. He re- mained at Mr. Wood's furnace two and one-half years, and then left with seven hundred dollars in his pocket. He went to Danville and worked for a time in a furnace there ; then quit and went to peddling. He was for a time in- successful and lost all his money, but regained it again. At this period in his life he entered
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farm on which he resides at the present time. township, called Mahantango, whose territory Mr. Springman received from his wife's family eventually was divided among other newly- formed townships, and the name Mahantango as designating a township, disappeared. a nice fortune, which he has handled in a mas- terly manner, and has every year added thereto. He now owns five farms, all of which he man- ages in a business-like manner. He has at fonr different times laid out additions to Freeburg, and has done much towards making the town what it is to-day. Ile is a liberal and public- spirited citizen, and stands high in the county where he has resided so long. He is a member of the Lutheran Church and one of its trustees; also its treasurer. He is a Democrat in polities and has been several times judge of elections, and for four years has been overseer of the poor. He has also been a Congressional dele- : Penn, making the division line-
gate, and represented Suyder County at the last Congressional election as one of the conferces.
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