USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Portrait and biographical record of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 9
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in an open boat and contracted a severe illness, which resulted in his death February 21, 1815.
Congress passed an act in 1846 appropriating $76,300 in full of the elaims of Mr. Fulton against the United States, for the invention of floating steam-batteries, superintending the con- struction of the steam frigate "Fulton," and for the great benefit conferred on the country by his improvements in the application of steam to navi- gation.
T HADDEUS STEVENS was born in Dan- ville, Caledonia County, Vt., April 4. 1792. llis father, who was a noted wrestler and a man of dissipated habits, enlisted in the War of 1812, and at the battle of Oswego received a wound from which he died a few days afterward. Under the training of his mother, a woman of noble char- aeter, he was prepared for the honorable position which he filled in later life. While a student in Burlington College he witnessed, with the aid of a spy glass, September 11, 1814. the fight between MeDonough and the British fleet on Lake Cham- plain. In 1815 he was graduated from Dartmouth College,
During the latter part of 1815 Mr. Stevens came to Pennsylvania, where for a time he taught in an academy. Later he was admitted to the Bar and opened an office for the practice of his profession. Like the majority of young lawyers, he found the path to success a slow and tedions one. When almost discouraged, he was retained for a murder case when none of the prominent attorneys seemed willing to undertake the defense. Ilis fee was $1,500, but he was unsuccessful in the ease, for his client was convicted and executed. Many years later he stated that he had been counsel for the defense in more than fifty murder cases, in all of which but one he had been successful; adding that every one of them deserved to be hanged but the man who met with that fate and who was certainly insane.
In 1821 Mr. Stevens became a member of the Assembly from Adams County, and for twenty
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years was one of the most influential public men of the state. Itis services in the Pennsylvania Legis- lature closed with the session of 1841. In August, 1842, he removed to Lancaster, where he afterward acquired prominence on account of his efforts to carry out his principles of freedom. He hated op- pression in every form, and it was his fortune to survive until after the close of the Rebellion, and to witness the freedom of the slaves, whose cause he had ever warmly espoused. In 1858 he was elected to Congress by a large majority, and his reputation there was that of a sagacious, eloquent and wise legislator. He died August 11, 1868, and was buried in Schremer's Cemetery, Lancaster. Above his tomb, in accordance with his request, was placed this inscription: "] repose in this quiet and secluded spot, not from any natural preference for solitude; but finding other cemeteries limited by charter rules to race, I have chosen it that I might be enabled to illustrate in my death the principles that I have advocated through a long hfe-equal- ity of man before the Creator." The charters of the principal cemeteries of Lancaster stipulated that no person of color should be interred within their limits. Ile had bought lots in both cemeter- ies, when on receiving the deeds sent them back, refusing to be buried in either, and selected as his last resting place the smallest cemetery in the city, which alone was free from this objection.
of his educational privileges. From his carliest years he worked at various farm labor and be- came practically informed in everything pertaining thereto. He continued as his father's assistant on the homestead until he had reached his twenty- fourth year, when he took the entire charge of the farm and has since been active in its operation.
The paternal grandfather of our subject bore the same Christian name and he too followed the vocation of farming, making that his principal business in life. Ile was formerly a Whig and sub- sequently a Republican in politics, and was one of the leading and influential men of this township in his day. He married Sarab Stautzenberger and had seven children.
Henry Ileidlebach, the father of our subject, was born and reared in this township and in former years was engaged in cultivating the old home- stead, which has descended to his son, Jacob 1. In his young manhood he became a member of the Lutheran Church, to which he adhered during his entire life. First a Whig, he afterwards became a Republican and was frequently chosen by his neighbors to serve in official capacities of trust and honor. For several terms he was School Di- rector in Pequea Township, officiated for several terms as Township Supervisor, and was a most acceptable and efficient Auditor of the township for one term. In every relation in hfe, whether public or private, he was honorable and conscien- tious, realizing in the fullest extent his duties to his fellows. On arriving at a suitable age he was united in marriage with Annie Hess, and of their union were horn the following children: Fanny. Sarah, Annie, Jacob, one unnamed, Henry, and one other who died in infancy.
J ACOB II. HEIDLEBACH, whose well culti- Returning to the life history of Jacob II. Heidle- bach, we find that on December 12, 1860, he married Miss Barbara Hoover, a native of Martic Township, and a daughter of a prosperous and worthy citizen of that locality. Four sons and three daughters came to bless the home of this worthy couple, and of the family circle only two are left to cherish and comfort the parents in their declining years, the others having preceded them to the better land. Those deceased are the four vated homestead is situated in Pequea Town- ship, Lancaster County, has been for over half a century identified with the welfare and development of this neighborhood, having passed his entire life within its limits. He was born February 25, 1838, on the farm he now owns and upon which he makes his home. Ile re- ceived common school advantages. being in regular attendance at the district schools until attaining his eighteenth year, and has always made good use , eldest members of the family, Martha, Emeline
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Milton, Charles II., and Jacob E. Those surviv- ing are Ida A., who became the wife of Eli Eshle- man, and Jolm F., who are living near their par- ents on the old homestead. In Presidential elee- tions Mr. Ileidlebach uses his ballot in the sup- port of the Republican party and can be safely re- lied on to use his influence in everything relating to the best interests of his fellow-citizens and the community in which he dwells.
J OSEPH HARNISHI, whose postotlice is New Danville, is one of the influential farmers of Pequea Township, Lancaster County. For two terms he has served as School Director, and in his political relations uses his ballot in the support of the Republican party. Ilis grandfather, Joseph Ilarnish, was also a farmer, and the property which he owned in this county was handed down to the father of our subject. The latter is one of five children, the others being Michael, John, Samuel and Barbara. Hle bears the Christian name of Jonas and his birth occurred in Martic Township about 1813. Ile married Susan Harnish, February 3, 1840, and had one son and three daughters, namely: Joseph; Mary, Mrs. McAllister; Susan, Mrs. Foutz; and Barbara. The father has always been devoted to farming, operating and owning a valuable piece of property. In his early manhood he was a Federalist, subsequently became a Whig, and still later a Republican. Religiously he was a member of the old Mennonite Church, and person- ally his life was most exemplary in every respect.
In Martiekville, in the township of Martic, the birth of our subject occurred on the 25th of Jan- uary, 1841, and his boyhood was passed under the parental roof on the old home farm. As the only son, he was early placed at work on the farm. and his father spared no pains in giving him a good education and in otherwise equipping him for the battles of life. lle attended the district schools of Conestoga Township until about seventeen years
of age, when he became actively employed at farm labor. For some time he worked on his father's farm at Safe Harbor, and later returned to the old homestead, which from that time until the present has taken his whole energies. The farm comprises ninety-two acres of fertile and arable land, on which good harvests are grown, yielding to the owner ample returns for the care he bestows upon his broad acres. The buildings on the place are commodious and substantial, and are kept up in a very neat and thrifty fashion.
On the 17th of December, 1867, Mr. Harnish was married in Lancaster, to Miss Susan Myers, by whom he has had eight children, three sons and five daughters. Their names are as follows: Jonas M., Annie M., Susan M., Amelia (Mrs. Forny), Mary, Lizzie, Samuel and Abram. The family are members of the old Mennonite Church, to which their ancestors have belonged for several generations. In everything relating to works of improvement and measures tending to advanee the best interests of the county, Mr. Ilarnish can always be relied upon in their promotion. He is a true and patriotic citizen, and in the line of his convictions uses his right of franchise for the pro- tection of American industries.
OIIN B. MYERS. Among the respected old settlers of Pequea Township, Lancaster Coun- ty. is he whose name heads this sketch, whose home has been in this community for con- siderably more than half a century, during which time he has put forth his endeavors in aid of pro- gressive movements, and has been actively con- cerned in the development of the county.
The paternal grandfather of John B. was David Myers, who followed farming, as have many gen- erations of the family. He was a member of the old Mennonite Church, and politically was a Feder- alist and afterward a Whig. Ile was the father of seven children, Jacob, Martin, David, Ilenry, Liz-
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zie (Mrs. Ilerr), Fannie (wife of David Landis, and now deceased), and Mary. who became the wife of Adam Breneman.
David Myers, our subject's father, was born in Manbeim Township, and on arriving at man's es- tate settled in Pequea Township, where he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits during the re- mainder of his life. For one term he served as a School Director, and was an active Republican. In the old Mennonite Church of which he was a mem- ber, he acted in an official capacity at times. For his wife he chose Miss Barbara Burkholder, and they had two sons and a daughter, Jolin B .. Annie and Amos.
The birth of Jolin B. Myers occurred on the old homestead in Pequea Township, on which he now resides, and the date of the event was September 20, 1836., Ilis boyhood passed without event of special moment, his time being occupied twixt work and play, as is common with farmer lads. His educational privileges were limited to such as were afforded by the common schools of the neigh- borhood, in which he was astudent during a large share of the year until he had reached his eigh- teenth year. Under his father's instruction he obtained an actual knowledge of farm labor and the best methods of carrying on agriculture, and on arriving at his maturity adopted this as his life vocation. The farm which he now owns and to the cultivation of which he has for years given his honest labor and careful supervision is one of the best in the township, and numbers about one hun- dred and forty-five acres. Good improvements are upon the place in the shape of barns and necessary farm buildings, as well as a commodious and pleas- ant home.
Mr. Myers is one of the Directors of the Lancas- ter County Bank, and has often supported in one way or another local industries and enterprises. In politics he has been a Republican since the forma- tion of the party, prior to which time he was a Whig. In his religious convictions he is a Menno- nite, in the faith of which denomination he was reared, and is one of the pillars in the old Menno- nite Congregation.
In the year 1862, Mr. Myers wedded Miss Mar- tha Ilerr, who was born and grew to womanhood
in this township, where she received her educa- tion. She is a daughter of Martin Herr. one of the wealthy and retired citizens of this township, who has now reached the extreme old age of ninety- four years. Mr. and Mrs. Myers have had a family comprising three sons and three daughters, whose names are respectively: David, Ada, Annie, Mar- tin. Elam and Henry. The parents have carried out their ideas of giving children good educations and training in practical branches, with the re- sult that their offspring are numbered among the best citizens and members of society in the places where their abode is made. Mr. Myers is an up- right and honorable man and has a reputation for veracity and high principle which is second to none in the neighborhood where he has lived as a boy and man.
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FRANK P. COHO. The subject of this sketch resides in Lancaster, where he is en- gaged in the wholesale coal business, and is also Treasurer of the Hamilton Watch Com- pany. Born in Schuylkill County, this state, .January 9, 1844, he is the son of John L. Coho, a native of Columbia County, and the grandson of Asa Coho, whose birth occurred in Bucks County, and who was a soldier in the Revolution- ary War. The great-grandfather of our subject bore the name of Ambrose Coho and was born in Pennsylvania, of French descent. The entire fam- ily were Quakers in religion, and the father of our subject was a trader in lands. He was also Justice of the Peace in his community for over thirty years, in that early day occupying the posi- tion of what now would be Judge. He departed this life in 1881 in Schuylkill County, when seventy-nine years of age.
The mother of our subject, known in her maid- enhood as Elizabeth Kutz, was born in the above county and was the daughter of Peter Kutz, a na- tive of this state, and of German descent. Mrs. C'oho died in 1880, firm in the faith of the Re-
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formed Church. She reared a family of ten chil- dren, only seven of whom are now living. Frank P. attended the public schools of his native place until attaining his seventeenth year. In 1871 he came to Lancaster, where he has since been en- gaged in the wholesale coal trade. In July, 1892, the Hamilton Watch Company was organized, of which he was chosen Treasurer.
In Schuylkill County in 1867 occurred the mar- riage of Frank P. Coho and Miss Emma A. Will- iams, a native of Danville, this state. To them have been born five children. Herbert, a grad- uate of the Lancaster lligh School, is residing in New York City, where he is engaged in the Elec- trieal business; Eugene is Receiving Teller in the Lancaster County Bank; Ralph will complete his studies in the high school with the Class of '91; Nellie and Mabel are at home. In politics Mr. Coho is an active Republican. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Western Market Company, and also held the same position in the Edison Electrie Illuminating Company, of which he was Vice-President until resigning.
S AMUEL G. GRAY, M. D., a prominent physician of Landisville, is in the enjoy- ment of an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. Ile is the son of JJustus and Barbara (Getz) Gray, and was born in Ephrata, this county, May 19, 1838. On his paternal side our subject is of German descent, while his mother's family came originally from Switzerland.
Justus Gray, the grandfather of our subjeet, was an agriculturist of Ephrata Township, owning two valuable estates. He was active in the af- fairs of the German Reformed Church, with which tie was connected for many years. The lady whom he married bore the maiden name of Catherine Wolf, and to them were born two sons and two daughters. The elder son, Henry, served in the Legislature from 1852 to 1851 on the Whig ticket;
the father of our subject was the next in order of birth; Elizabeth became the wife of Philip Bu- shong, a wealthy distiller of Reading, this state; and Anna is Mrs. Daniel Bowman, of Ephrata. The grandfather departed this life in 1837, at the age of seventy years.
Justus Gray received a fair education in the schools near his home, and when choosing an oc- cupation in life became a farmer and miller, own- ing one hundred acres of well tilled land in West lempfield Township. In financial matters he was more than ordinarily successful, and became one of the prosperous and enterprising citizens of his community. He was first a Whig and later a Re- publican in politics, and was an official member of the Presbyterian Church. December 2, 1828, he married Miss Barbara, daughter of George Getz, a native of Reading, this state, who later removed to West Hempfield Township, and turned his at- tention to farm pursuits.
Our subject was one in a family of four sons and two daughters. Henry W., President of the Schomacker Piano Company, of Philadelphia, is very prominent in political affairs, and was elected State Senator on the Republican ticket; Albert, the second son, is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. Il. B. Parry, of Lancaster; Samuel G. was the next in order of birth; and Alice, Mrs. Will- iam Ehner, of Trenton, N. J., is deceased. The husband and father died March 7, 1887. His good wife is still living, and is now in the eighty-tifth year of her age. She is a most estimable lady, and a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church.
The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the common schools, after which he attended the State Normal. In 1860, when deter- mining to follow a professional career, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. A. K. Roxoer, of Mountainville, Lancaster County, and in the fall of the following year entered the Med- ical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. Soon thereafter he was appointed Medical Cadet of the United States army for one year, and on the expiration of his term returned to college, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1863. Dr. Gray was then appointed Assistant Surgeon in different
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regiments, serving from March of the above year until February. 1865. During that time he was Examining Surgeon at Camp Curtain, Surgeon of Cavalry in the Department of the Monongahela, Assistant Surgeon to the Twenty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Emergency Corps, and Surgeon of the Twen- tieth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Ile was present with a regiment during the raid through the Shenan- doah Valley, and was with Sheridan's command at Lynchburg.
On the close of the war Dr. Gray located in West Ilempfield, where he was engaged in practice until 1875, when he received the appointment of surgeon of the ship "Pennsylvania," sailing he- tween Philadelphia and Liverpool. After being thus employed for two years, he located in Landis- ville, where he ranks among the leading physicians in the county. He is a member of the County and State Medieal Societies, and is Vice-President of the former. He likewise belongs to Post No. 118. G. A. R., at Columbia.
July 5, 1885, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Lila B., daughter of John HI. Speese, of Shippensburg, and to them have been granted three children: Henry W .. Walter E., and Warren. the latter of whom died in infaney. In polities the Doctor is a true blue Republican.
D AVID S. HESS is one of the old settlers of Conestoga Township, where nearly his en- tire life has been passed, and in every way he has been identified with the upbuilding of this community. About 1876 he became the owner of the farm on which he now resides and to its cultiva- tion has given his entire time and attention for several years. Ile comes from one of the old and honored families of this region. where several gen- erations have made their home. His paternal grandfather, David Iless, was born in Conestoga
Township and followed agricultural pursuits dur- ing his active life. Ile was a member of the old Mennonite Church and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. For his wife he married Miss Byers, and to them were born six children, as fol- lows: David, John, Christian, Abraham, Maria and Anna.
John lless, the second child in the family just mentioned, was born in this township and here grew to manhood. On arriving at maturity he continued in the calling to which he had been reared, that of farming, and became the owner of a valuable and well improved tract of land which he operated for many years. Like his father he- fore him he was identified with the old Mennonite Church and politically he was a Democrat. Being interested in the cause of education. he served as School Director, and was a firm believer in this great institution of the United States, the educa- tion of the young. On choosing his life compan- ion he married Miss Harriet Shank, and of their union two sons and two daughters were born, their names being as follows: Martha, who became the wife of J. M. Hess: David S., the subject of this narrative; Jacob L., and Fannie, the wife of Mich- ael Good.
The birth of David S. Hess occurred in Con- estoga Township, May 7, 1842. and his early years were passed uneventfully upon his father's farm. huis time being divided between work and play. For a number of years he was a student in the dis- triet school, which he left when nineteen years of age to embark in the active business of life. 1Ie remained on the old homestead and was employed by his father in its operation until he had attained his twenty-ninth year. In the meantime he had married and was now induced by his father-in-law, Henry Worfel, to carry on his farm in West Lam- peter Township. After some time had elapsed the young man by strict economy and industry had managed to lay by a certain sum which he invested in a small tract of land in this township, and from that time forward he has made his dwelling place on this property. From time to time as he could afford it he bought other land and his farm now con- tams forty-seven acres. The land is very fertile and yields abundant erops in return for the care
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and cultivation bestowed upon it by the industri- ous owner.
In the year 1871 Mr. Hess married Miss Elvina Worfel, who was born and grew to womanhood in Conestoga Township. A family of eight children has come to bless the hearthstone of this worthy couple and they are named as follows: Ida, Susan, John II., Harriet, Elvina, Barbara, David, Jr., and Bertha.
Mr. Iless in his political faith is, like his father before him, a Democrat, and is a strong believer in the measures adopted by his party. In local af- fairs he has ever shown himself deeply interested in the maintenance of the public good and has en- deavored to promote the welfare of his fellow- citizens in every possible manner.
D AVID BACHMAN LANDES, of Lancas- ter, has one of the finest and most artistic job printing establishments in the state, and is a successful and enterprising young business man. Ile comes from a very old family, its his- tory being traced to the latter part of the sixteenth century, and a brief synopsis of the same may not be uninteresting to the many friends of Mr. Landis and other members of his family.
The Landis family were prominent in the latter part of the sixteenth century in Switzerland, being noted for their piety, and one of the first individ- uals of the name mentioned in history was one Ilans Landis, a "pious witness of the Divine truth." Ile was a Mennonite preacher, who removed to the Rhine in a portion of his native land, and there instructed many who were seeking after righteous- ness. The Conneil of Zurich of the Reformed Church ordered the arrest of the good man, but he was not daunted, and "he was taken prisoner by his enemies and sent in irons from Zurich to the Papists at Zolothurn." Upon being liberated by the aid of friends, he was again taken and sent to Zurich, where he was rigorously examined as to
adoption, and the result was that in September, 1614, he was beheaded with the sword. It is in- teresting to know that he was the last person to be thus treated for religious convictions in that locality, but persecution did not cease with his death, for it is recorded that in May, 1637, among three other brethren, "Ilans Landis, the Second, a steadfast minister of the church in Horgerberg, and his daughter, Margaretha, were confined for sixty weeks at Othenbach." "Meantime the au- thorities sold their property for seven thousand florins and applied it to their own use." In 1640 Oswald Landis, his wife, and two daughters-in- law were incarcerated in Othenbach, and Jacob Landis. his son, and all of his family were ban- ished. In time the prisoners managed to escape, though their property was confiscated and they were in poverty. Felix Landis (son of Ilans, who was beheaded at Zurich in 1614), after having been shamefully treated, often for a long time re- eeiving no food, and being in a weak condition, was carried by his perseeutors to church, being brutally "thrown under a bench," where he imme- diately expired. llis wife, Adelheyd Egli, was also kept in prison for nearly four years, and dur- ing this period was treated unmercifully and dis- gracefully, and meantime the authorities dispersed her family, drove the children away from home and confiseated the house and furniture, which were sold for five thousand florins. One night in 1643 the beadles attacked the house of Varena Landis, who was ill and could not go with the authorities, whereupon she was compelled to "prom- ise that she would remain a prisoner in her own house, which promise she accordingly fulfilled, and as she was harshly treated and poorly supplied with food, death soon resulted.
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