Biography: BEDFORD, Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., PA, pp. 183 - 242 BEDFORD biographies contributed by Janet Ebaugh and Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com USGENWEB ARCHIVES (tm) NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ___________________________________________________________ BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW VOLUME XXXII CONTAINING LIFE SKETCHES OF LEADING CITIZENS OF BEDFORD AND SOMERSET COUNTIES PENNSYLVANIA Who among men art thou, and thy years how many, good friend? - XENOPHANES BOSTON: BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1899 SELECTED BEDFORD BIOGRAPHIES Included in the file, in this order, are the biographies of: Lutz, John Diehl, Henry Reynolds, Hon. John M. Wertz, John J. Gump, John A. Miller, Ephraim B. Barkman, Philip Shaffer, Simon L. Stuckey, W. Scott Boor, Oliver P. Walter, Samuel Walter, Jacob Baker, Elias Schaeffer, William H. Barkman, Hezekiah Wertz, William C. Smith, David R. Diehl, David Zembower, John M. Eichelberger, Captain Eli Blair, Nathan A. [183] JOHN LUTZ, editor of the Bedford Inquirer, published in the town of Bedford, was born in Snake Spring township, Bedford County, Pa., near Lutzville station, January 6, 1835. He is the eldest son of Michael and Rosanna (Stuckey) Lutz, both of whom sprang from early settlers of Bedford County, their fathers having come to this county from Virginia between 1788 and 1800. In his boyhood John Lutz learned the trade of a woollen manufacturer, his paternal grandfather having built in 1808 one of the first woollen factories in this section of the State. Desiring a more advanced education than was obtainable in the public school, by working at his trade in the summer and teaching in the winter he earned the means of attending the Bedford Academy and afterward taking a course at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. Too close application to study impaired his health, so that from 1858 to 1865 he was most of the time obliged to desist from too confining physical or intellectual labor. During this period, however, he read law with the late Hon. Alexander King, afterward Presiding Judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District; and in 1864 he was admitted to the bar. He came to Bedford in May, 1862, and has since resided here. In April, 1865, in company with J. R. Durburrow, Esq., and at the urgent request of a number of prominent Republicans, he purchased the Bedford Inquirer, which he edited with marked success for ten years. He did not dissolve his connection with that paper until January, 1881, when he sold his remaining interest, but reserved by written agreement the right to establish another paper. On April 14, 1881, in connection with W. C. Smith, Esq., he established the Bedford Republican, which rapidly grew in favor and influence as one of the leading Republican journals of this part of the State. About two years and a half later, on January 1, 1884, the two papers, the Bedford Republican and Bedford Inquirer, were consolidated, and under the management of Lutz, Smith & Jordan were published as the Republican and Inquirer until 1888, when the old title of the Bedford Inquirer was adopted. The paper continues to be issued under this title, with Mr. Lutz as editor. While the attention of Mr. Lutz has been chiefly devoted to journalism, he has never wholly given up the practice of law. He has always been an ardent advocate and participant in all public enterprises having for their object the promotion of the welfare of the community in which he resides. On May 19, 1870, Mr. Lutz was married to Emily C. Filler, of Bedford. She died March 3, 1873; and about ten years later, on January 3, 1883, Mr. Lutz was united in marriage with Miss Hattie E. Way, of Union Springs, N.Y. Mr. Lutz has one child by his first wife - a son, William F., who now resides in Philadelphia, Pa. [185] HENRY DIEHL is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Colerain township, in Bedford County, Pa., and a member of one of the earliest settled families of this county. He was born May 17, 1842, in Colerain, which was likewise the place of birth of his father, the late Joseph H. Diehl. His paternal grandfather, John Diehl, according to the genealogical table of the Diehl family, issued in 1891, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1771, and came to Friend's Cove, Bedford County, Pa., a lad of thirteen, in 1784. John Diehl's father was Samuel Diehl, who married a Miss Ritchey. Mr. Henry Diehl is therefore a descendant in the fourth generation from Samuel Diehl, the line being Samuel, John, Joseph H., and Henry. Joseph H. Diehl was brought up on a farm, and, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, made farming his life work. He reclaimed a large part of his land from the wilderness, and in its care and cultivation took great pleasure and pride from his early manhood until his death, in March, 1895. He married Elizabeth Harclerode, of Colerain township. Six of their children survive, as follows: William M., of Monroe, Pa.; Henry, the special subject of this sketch; Susanna, residing at Altoona, Pa., the widow of the late John Holterbaum; Mary E., widow of Henry Koontz, late of Colerain; Reuben, likewise of Colerain; and Sarah E., wife of Isaac Dibert, of Colerain township. Henry Diehl grew to manhood on the parental homestead. Although he attended the district school in his younger days, his mental training has been in a large measure self-directed, as the schools of fifty years ago afforded but scant educational privileges compared with the schools of the present day. In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under General Butler, whose regiment was incorporated as a part of the Twenty-fourth Army Corps, First Brigade and Third Division. With his comrades he participated in the battles at Cold Harbor, Drury's Bluff, the Wilderness, the siege of Petersburg, and vari- [186] ous other engagements. The Third Division, to which his regiment belonged, was the first to surround General Lee at Appomattox, where he surrendered. On being mustered out of service at the close of the war, Mr. Diehl returned home, and has since devoted himself to the management of his farm. He has two hundred acres of land in his own homestead property, on which he has made valuable improvements; and he is recognized as one of the skilful and progressive farmers of the township. He also owns one-third interest in the old homestead. Politically, he supports the principles of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Watson Post, G.A.R. of Bedford, Pa., and of Rainsburg Lodge, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs, and is now Past Master. On December 20, 1866, Mr. Diehl married Susanna Weisel, daughter of the late John Weisel, of Bedford township, Pa. They are the parents of six children, namely: Mary E., wife of John T. Shaffer, of Colerain township; David W. W., of Colerain; Laura L., wife of Henry Grand Diehl, also of Colerain township; Joseph G.; Carrie A.; and Reuben F. Mr. and Mrs. Diehl are both member of the Reformed church. [186] HON. JOHN M. REYNOLDS, attorney-at-law and a member of the firm of John G. Hartley & Co., bankers, of Bedford, Pa., was born in Lancaster County, near the borough of Quarryville, twelve miles south of Lancaster city, on March 5, 1848, being a son of Patrick Hewitt and Ann (Barnett) Reynolds. Patrick H. Reynolds was one of the well-to-do farmers of this locality and an influential citizen. He dealt quite extensively in live stock, and he also operated a grist-mill. A native of Ireland, he was eight years old when he came with his parents to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where in due time he established his home. He married Ann, daughter of Andrew Barnett, of Baltimore County, Maryland, and was the father of eight children, namely: James Hewitt; Barnett; Edward; Emmett D.; Martha; Mary; John Merriman, the subject of this sketch; and De Warren H. Barnett is now a resident of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. De Warren H. is a practicing lawyer in Cumberland, Md. Ann, the mother, now at the age of ninety-two, Emmett D., Martha, and Mary, reside in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. James and Edward are deceased. John M. Reynolds, after attending the public schools for the usual period, entered the First Pennsylvania State Normal School at Millersville, from which he was graduated in 1867. Shortly afterward he came to Bedford, and became an instructor of teachers in the County Normal School. For two school terms, 1867 and 1868, he was principal of the public schools of Bedford. In 1868 he began the study of law under the preceptorship of John W. Dickerson, who was then one of the leading members of the bar. Admitted to the bar of Bedford County on February 15, 1870, he immediately began practice in Bedford. In 1872 he became a half-owner of the Bedford [189] Gazette, which he edited until August 1, 1880, when he disposed of his interest in order to give his time exclusively to his law practice, which had greatly increased. In January, 1872, Mr. Reynolds was suggested by members of his party (the Democratic) as the nominee for the legislature in the district comprising Fulton and Bedford, to fill a vacancy caused by the death of J. W. Dickerson. Mr. Reynolds declined this nomination, but was nominated in the fall of 1872, elected at the October election, and took his seat in the legislature in January, 1873, as the youngest member of that body. Re-elected in the fall of 1873, he served in the session of 1874, and was actively concerned in framing much of the legislation necessary to put in force the new constitution of the State adopted in 1873. At the close of his term Mr. Reynolds declined a renomination, and began to devote himself more actively to his law practice. In the fall of 1875 he was elected district attorney of Bedford County, which office he held for a period of three years, declining renomination. His law business had by this time assumed large proportions, extending into the surrounding region and embracing every leading case, civil or criminal, tried at the bar of Bedford County or in the Supreme Court, in which latter tribunal for the last twenty-five years he has not missed a term. In 1881 Mr. Reynolds was presented by the Bedford County Democracy as their choice for nomination in the district as candidate for President Judge, but voluntarily declined in favor of the Hon. W. J. Baer, of Somerset County, who was elected that year. In 1882 he consented to become the candidate of his party for State Senator for the district composed of the counties of Bedford, Fulton, and Somerset, but was defeated at the election by one hundred and forty-four votes, having reduced the usual Republican majority of the district about one thousand five hundred. In 1891 he was the nominee of his party in the judicial district composed of Somerset and Bedford Counties for the office of President Judge; and, although defeated in a strong Republican district, he ran two thousand ahead of the party ticket. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor Pattison one of the five commissioners to select a site and build an asylum for the chronic insane of the State; and the result of over four years' labor may be seen in the magnificent buildings at Wernersville, Berks County, where half a million dollars were spent, all within the original appropriation and without the wrongful expenditure of one dollar through contracts or otherwise. Mr. Reynolds was secretary for the commission during the whole period, and performed that and his other duties as a member without compensation other than his actual expenses. In 1893 Mr. Reynolds was tendered by President Cleveland the office of Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and this without any solicitation on his part. He accepted, was appointed, was duly confirmed by the Senate, and entered upon the duties of the office April 15, 1893, serving until June 1, 1897. His resignation on March 5, 1897, was not accepted until the following June, when he was obliged to relinquish the office to recruit his health, which had been impaired by overwork. The four years thus spent had been devoted mainly to the supervision of pension affairs, through which there was annually incurred an expenditure of nearly one hundred and fifty million dollars. Mr. Reynolds's leading rulings are contained in volumes seven and eight, Pension Decisions, selected from a mass of about twenty-five thousand cases passed upon under his direction, a number almost double that considered in any like period under any of his predecessors. The pension laws were construed in the spirit of liberality that prompted their enactment, and the correspondence of Mr. Reynolds's office shows that his labors were endorsed by soldiers and veteran organizations, together with their friends, throughout the nation. The soldier, his widow, and his helpless ones received at Mr. Reynolds's hands the justice that was theirs under the law, though in many cases it was necessary to reverse previous rulings of the pension office. In no case throughout his four years' work was Mr. Reynolds conscious of having either aided in the wrongful expenditure of the public money, or, on the other hand, of having wronged to the extent of a farthing one of the nation's defenders or its helpless ones. Mr. Reynolds marked the close of his term by directing and supervising the publication and editing of a digest, in one volume, of all the decisions of the various departments of the government and of the courts relating to pensions and bounty lands, a work which consumed many months of labor and which has been pronounced a model of its kind. The most important of Mr. Reynolds's decisions are on issues relating to "Honorable and Dishonorable Discharge and Desertion," "Effect of Enlistment and Service in the Confederate Army," "Army Nurses," "Rules governing Ratings in Amputation Cases," "Widows' Pensions," "Commencement of Pensions," "Accrued Pensions and Reimbursement," "Line of Duty," "Pensions to Minors, Insane, Idiotic, and Helpless Children," "Dependence," etc. Important pension legislation was also enacted by Congress on his recommendation. A Democrat by conviction from his youth, Mr. Reynolds up to 1896, with the exception of a single campaign (1889) was active in the management of his party's politics. He was chairman and secretary of the Democratic County Committee for many years, and during that period directed and controlled the party machinery, also speaking in many campaigns. He was a delegate to many State conventions, to the National Convention at St. Louis in 1888, and to that at Chicago in 1892, on both occasions supporting Mr. Cleveland. On the adoption of the Chicago platform in 1896, finding himself unable to conscientiously support the principles represented by Mr. Bryan, the Presidential nominee, which he regarded as dangerous political heresies, he spoke on the stump in favor of "sound money," and for the first time in his life voted the full Republican ticket. He is now prominently identified with the Republican party. In 1897 Mr. Reynolds was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, and is at present the local solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the Saxton Iron Company, and the Everett Furnaces, also a director and large stockholder in and solicitor for the Colonial Iron Company at Riddlesburg, Pa. Besides the time devoted to his profession and to politics, Mr. Reynolds has been able to give attention to business matters as represented by his banking interests in the firm of John G. Hartley & Co. and in the management of his farm and flouring mill. In local affairs Mr. Reynolds has always been prominent, especially in the cause of popular education, having served six years as president of the School Board and he has been the directing spirit in the erection of the present beautiful school buildings at Bedford. He was also one of the leading workers in raising funds for the erection of the monument in Bedford to the soldiers of the late war. He is a member of the Episcopal church, with which he has been identified for more than twenty years, serving during a greater part of this period as vestryman and warden, and for some time as superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, belonging to Altoona Commandery. He is also a member of the Cosmos Club, of Washington, D.C., a society including among its members some of the most prominent literary and scientific men in the country. In 1895 Columbia University at Washington, D.C., bestowed on Mr. Reynolds the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Reynolds was married in 1877 to Miss Ella Harley, daughter of William Hartley, of Bedford, Pa. He has three children: William, a student at St. Paul's School, Concord, N.H.; Margaret, at Bryn Mawr, Pa.; and Judith, at Friends' Select School, Washington, D.C. [192] JOHN J. WERTZ, a well-to-do farmer and highly respected citizen of Cumberland Valley township, is a representative of the self-made men of Bedford County, [193] Pennsylvania, where he has resided since his birth, March 7, 1829. He is a son of the late John Wertz, who was a lifelong resident of Cumberland Valley township, and whose father, Paul Wertz, was one of the earliest settlers of this place. John Wertz assisted his father in the pioneer labor of clearing a farm from the wilderness, and after reaching man's estate he made farming his principal occupation. A loyal and faithful citizen, he served as a soldier in the War of 1812. Of his union with Elizabeth Williams nine children were born, as follows: Henry; William; Rachel; Banner; Catherine; Mary; Josiah; John J., the subject of this sketch; and Rebecca. John J. Wertz obtained his education in the subscription schools of his day, whose curriculum consisted of reading, writing, and arithmetic, or the "three R's"; and under his father's instruction he received a good industrial training. By persevering industry and a wise economy he accumulated sufficient money to buy land when a young man; and he now owns a farm of three hundred acres, a part of which is under cultivation. He has been a tireless worker throughout his long period of activity, and did much of the pioneer labor of clearing his land with his own hands. Having been always dependent upon his own resources, Mr. Wertz has practically made his own way to his present position among the respected citizens of the community. He is a Democrat in politics; and, though taking a keen interest in the progress and development of this section of Bedford County, he has persistently declined to accept the nomination for local office. He, however, served for eight years as Postmaster at Patience. He is a Lutheran in his religious belief, and belongs to the church of that denomination. Mr. Wertz married on December 28, 1854, Mary E., daughter of the late Samuel Boor, of Cumberland Valley township. Mr. and Mrs. Wertz have had eight children, as follows, namely: Samuel N.; James, deceased; Clara, wife of Joseph Schafer, of Fostoria, Ohio; Emma C., wife of Samuel Cessna, of Toledo, Ohio; Harry E.; John A. N.; Mary, wife of Jesse Growden, of Cumberland Valley township; and Fannie E., who married Ward Growden, of Rush, Md. [195] JOHN A. GUMP, of Everett, Pa., is a man of prominence in the community in which he resides, and is actively identified with its best interests. He was born December 8, 1820, in Rainsburg, Bedford County, a son of Elias and Hannah (May) Gump. Elias Gump spent the first years of his life in Frederick County, Maryland, whence he migrated to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, at an early time of its settlement. Making his home in Rainsburg, he was for several years the leading carpenter and cabinet-maker of that place, a twofold trade that he carried on until his death, soon after the close of the Civil War. A man of energy, intelligence, and good common sense, he became influential in public matters, and rendered good service to his fellow-townsmen both as Justice of the Peace and as Constable of Colerain township, offices that he filled satisfactorily a number of years. He married Hannah May, a daughter of John May, who came to Colerain township, Bedford County, from Loudoun County, Virginia, as a pioneer settler. They reared several children, of whom the following survive: John A., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Samuel James, of Rainsburg, Pa.; and Mrs. Henry Smith, of Kansas City, Mo. John A. Gump grew to manhood in his native town, obtaining in the Colerain schools his early knowledge of the common English branches of learning. While yet a youth he began to learn carpentering and cabinet-making in his father's shop; and, being apt in the use of tools, he soon became a most skilful workman. He subsequently worked at his trade in connection with general farming in Rainsburg for a number of years, and was also engaged as a hotel-keeper there for three years. In 1851 Mr. Gump removed to Bloody Run, a small hamlet containing but two hundred souls, which has since rapidly increased in size and population, and is now known as the borough of Everett, Pa. The first year he engaged in the butchering business; and for the next twelve years he was proprietor of the leading hotel of this locality, and was likewise identified with other enterprises. For a while he was connected with what was then called the Bloody Run Foundry, and for a quarter of a century he carried on a thriving trade in hardware. Mr. Gump is a man of great public spirit, and as an influential member of the Republican party has always taken a warm interest in local affairs. For a short time he was Constable of West Providence township. He has been Burgess of Everett. For nine years he was School Director of both West Providence township and Everett borough, during which time he served as secretary of the former School Board and as president of the School [196] Board of Everett. For ten years he was Justice of the Peace for Everett borough, and at one time was candidate for the office of Judge of Bedford County, but was defeated at the polls. Mr. Gump is a stockholder of the Everett Glass Company, and its treasurer, a position for which his financial ability well qualified him; and since the organization of the Everett Cemetery Association he has served as its president. He has achieved a large measure of success in life through his own earnest efforts, and has won a host of friends throughout Bedford County, where his stability of character and genial disposition have made him deservedly popular. Mr. Gump married Elizabeth, daughter of the late Simon Stuckey, of Colerain township; and they are the parents of ten children, namely: Erastus J., of Kansas City, Mo.; Henry F.; Mrs. John Q. Nycum; Mrs. George Mellotte; Mrs. Dr. Hanks, of New York; George W.; S. Howard; Mrs. W. H. Howard; and Simon A. and Charles E., both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gump are members of the Reformed church, in which he has served a number of years as Deacon. [198] EPHRAIM B. MILLER has long been actively identified with the agricultural and political interests of Harrison township, Bedford County, Pa., and is held in high regard throughout the community in which he lives. A son of the late John E. Miller, he was born in this township, July 6, 1840. He is of pioneer ancestry, his great-grandfather, Abraham Miller, having been one of the first settlers of this section of the State. Elias Miller, son of Abraham and father of John E., was born in Loudoun County, Virginia. He migrated with his parents to Harrison township, where he subsequently spent his life in the toilsome labor of clearing and improving a homestead. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and one of his brothers served several years as Sheriff of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. John E. Miller, father of the subject of this sketch, was a lifelong farmer of Harrison township, where he died in June, 1876, at a good old age. He belonged to the Republican party, and served his fellow-townsmen in various official capacities. A man of eminent piety, he was a consistent and active member of the Christian church, of which he was a Deacon for a number of years. His wife, Hannah Carpenter, a native of Londonderry, Pa., bore him several children, of whom the following named are yet living: Eve, wife of Job H. Martin, of Buffalo Mills, Pa.; Ephraim B., whose personal history is given below; Simon G. Miller, M.D., a physician in Putnam County, Florida; Amanda, wife of Daniel Swartzwelter, of Fayette County, Pennsylvania; and Hannah, wife of John R. Diehl, of Colerain, Pa. Ephraim B. Miller was bred and educated in Harrison, becoming as familiar in boyhood with farm life and labors as with the contents [199] of his school books. In August, 1862, he offered his services to his country by enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Corporal; and with his regiment, which belonged to the Army of the Potomac, he fought at the battles of Snicker's Gap, Brandy Station, Locust Grove, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, siege of Petersburg, at Monocacy Bridge, Md., Charlestown, W.Va., Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Harrisonburg, Mount Jackson, and Cedar Creek. At the latter engagement he received a wound in the left arm of such a serious nature that he was forced to remain in the hospital five months, after which he served with his regiment until receiving his discharge on June 25, 1865. Returning then to the scenes of his childhood, he has since carried on various branches of agriculture with good financial results. His farm of three hundred acres is finely located, and with its equipments and substantial improvements is one of which he may well be proud. Evidences of his judicious labor and thrifty management are to be seen on every hand, and invariably attract the attention of the passer-by. Mr. Miller is a Republican in politics, and has ably served the township as Road Supervisor, a position which he held five years, and as Assessor, an office which he is now filling for the second term. He is one of the leading members of Harrison Post, No. 332, G.A.R., at Buffalo Mills, of which he is ex-Senior Vice-Commander. On February 15, 1866, Mr. Miller married Amanda, daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Morgart) Swartzwelter, late of Monroe Township, Bedford County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have eight children, namely: Grant A.; Otho C.; Alberta O.; Simon D.; Viola R., wife of Samuel Wolf, of Hyndman, Pa.; Veda L.; Oscar G. and Pearl L., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both members of the Christian church. [200] PHILIP BARKMAN, who has been actively identified with the agricultural interests of Monroe, Bedford County, Pa., for more than half a century, was born in this township, October 31, 1824, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Barkman. He is the grandson of one of the early pioneers of Bedford County, Michael Barkman, who migrated from Washington County, Maryland, to this section of the State of Pennsylvania when a young man, and, taking up a tract of land in the pathless forest, succeeded in clearing enough for a small farm, on which to support himself and family. Joseph Barkman ably assisted in the labor incident to the making of a pioneer home; but after leaving the parental roof he removed to Monroe township, where he was engaged in farming until his death. He was a self-made man, and was everywhere respected for his sterling integrity. He was an old-time Dem [201] ocrat in his political views and affiliations, and for a number of years served his fellow-townsmen as Constable. Of his union with Elizabeth Fletcher the following-named children are still living: Jacob, a venerable resident of Monroe, Pa., now eighty years old; Susan, widow of Daniel Fletcher, late of Monroe; Philip, the subject of this brief sketch; Hezekiah, also of Monroe township; and David, who lives in Iowa. Philip Barkman received his education in the subscription schools, which he attended in his boyhood and youth at such times as he could be spared from the work of the home farm. Under his father's direction he became thoroughly conversant with the practical details of agriculture, which has been his principal occupation through life. In February, 1865, he was enrolled as a member of Company G, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of Grant's army, and, after participating in the siege of Petersburg, was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. In June, 1865, at Philadelphia, he was honorably discharged from service, and at once returned to his home in Monroe, Pa. Continuing his former work as a tiller of the soil, he met with success, and in 1877 purchased the farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres on which he has since resided. He has improved the property in a notable manner, having it now well equipped for general farming purposes. The industrious habits acquired by him early in life have never been allowed to degenerate, and have largely contributed to his present prosperity. Following in the political pathway trod by his ancestors, he stanchly supports the principles of the Democratic party, and has on occasions served in public office, having been a Director of the township schools and Judge of Elections a number of times. On March 4, 1852, Mr. Barkman married Elizabeth Barkman, daughter of Hezekiah Barkman, late of Southampton township, Pa. She died February 5, 1873, leaving a host of warm friends to mourn with the immediate family in their deep bereavement. She was a woman of great personal worth, and a consistent member of the Reformed church. Four of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barkman are now living, namely: Joseph, Martin A., and Barbara, all of Monroe township; and Susan, wife of William B. Mann, of Altoona, Pa. [204] SIMON L. SHAFFER [photo] [205] SIMON L. SHAFFER, an extensive landholder and one of the leading agriculturists of Bedford township, Pa., was born September 25, 1838, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Lutz) Shaffer. His birthplace was Snake Spring township, Bedford County, where his grandfather, John [206] Shaffer, settled when a young man, and where he spent his remaining years. John Shaffer was a native of Germany, whence he emigrated to America. Courageous and loyal to the country of his adoption, he proved his willingness to serve its interests by enlisting as a soldier at the time of the Black Hawk War. Adam Shaffer spent his entire life in Snake Spring township, where his death occurred in May, 1897. He was a farmer by occupation, and was well-known throughout the community. The homestead which he improved is now occupied by his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. England. Of his union with Elizabeth Lutz, the following children survive: Simon L., the subject of this biography; Mary E., wife of Rufus England, of Snake Spring; John H.L., whose sketch appears on another page of this volume, and in connection with which further parental history may be found; Catherine, wife of Solomon Diehl, of Snake Spring; and Sarah A., wife of John W. Imler, of Bedford, Pa. Both parents were members of the Lutheran church. Simon L. Shaffer was educated in the district schools of Snake Spring and at a private normal school. He subsequently taught several terms of school in both Bedford and Colerain townships, and then embarked upon a mercantile career as junior member of the firm of Ferguson & Shaffer, at Bedford, Bedford County. After the dissolution of this firm Mr. Shaffer for a while carried on business for himself as a merchant, first in the town of Everett, this county, and then in Clearville, and later was proprietor of a general store at Imlertown, where he remained eight years. During a large part of that time he served as Postmaster, and for five years he was Justice of the Peace for Bedford township. Since retiring from mercantile pursuits Mr. Shaffer has carried on general farming with most satisfactory results. He now owns two valuable farming estates, one of which he occupies himself. A decided Republican in politics, he is influential in local affairs, and on more than one occasion has been the choice of his party as a candidate for nomination for the State legislature. He belongs to the Bedford Grange, P. of H., and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the organization. He is an active member of the Lutheran church in which he is an Elder, and for twenty-three years has been superintendent of its Sunday-school. On May 1, 1860, Mr. Shaffer married Margaret C., daughter of Jacob Semler, late of Bedford township. Mrs. Shaffer died May 21, 1895. Of the children that have blessed their union, four are living; namely, Adam J., Simon H., Margaret L., and John. W. SCOTT STUCKEY, proprietor of "Twin Spring Farm," which derives its name from two limestone springs found upon it, is a thriving agriculturist of Snake Spring township, Pa. He was born May 3, 1848, in this township, being a son of Asa S. and Sarah B. (Kinton) Stuckey. He is descended from on of the early pioneers [207] of Bedford County, being a great-grandson of Simon S. Stuckey, who came to this part of Pennsylvania from Virginia, and settled first at Snake Spring and later at Napier, a neighboring town. Simon S. Stuckey was a veritable patriarch: in addition to rearing sixteen children of his own, he brought up a grandchild. Asa S. Stuckey was born in Napier, Bedford County; but in early manhood he removed to the township of Snake Spring, where he resided until 1873. He then moved back to Napier township, and there lived until the close of his earthly career, in December, 1889. A man of character, ability, and progressive ideas, he became actively identified with affairs of the town and county as one of the leading Republicans of this vicinity. For several years he served as Justice of the Peace, and was a prominent member of the Lutheran church. He married Sarah B. Kinton, who was also born and bred in Napier. Of their children the following-named grew to years of maturity: W. Scott, the special subject of this sketch; John K., deceased; Mrs. Susan A. Sams, of Harrison township, Pa.; Jennie B., wife of Elwood Miller, of Waco, Neb.; Elizabeth E., deceased; and Samuel S., of Napier, Pa. W. Scott Stuckey completed his education in private normal schools at Everett and Bedford, Pa.; and he subsequently taught in district schools in Bedford County three terms. Soon after becoming of age, he purchased land and turned his attention to its care and cultivation. Prosperity smiled upon him from the beginning of his active career, and in the management of his estate he has been financially successful. He carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising fine horses and cattle, many of them being of choice grades. He takes a lively interest in the progress and development of the locality in which he resides, and in politics is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. On October 17, 1876, Mr. Stuckey married Miss Katie Shaffer, of Colerain township, daughter of the late Henry Shaffer. They are the parents of seven children, namely: Sarah A., deceased; Becca M.; Gualia E.; Stella B.; John K.; Asa S.; and Anabel. OLIVER P. BOOR, an extensive landholder of Cumberland Valley, Bedford County, Pa., and one of the leading citizens of the place, was born in this township, November 6, 1835, a son of Michael and Phoeba (Zembower) Boor. He is of German ancestry, and comes of thrifty pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, Martin Boor, having been an early settler of Cumberland Valley and an important factor in the early development of its agricultural and industrial resources. Michael Boor came with his parents to Cumberland Valley when a young lad, and from that time until his death was identified with its interests. He was a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and for many years served his fellow-townsmen as Constable. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Protestant church. Of [208] their children six are still living, as follows: Mrs. John Simons, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; Mrs. Brice McCoy, of Cass County, Missouri; Oliver P., John R., and Henry M., all of Cumberland Valley; and William D., whose personal sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume. Oliver P. Boor acquired his early education in the district schools of the township, where since reaching manhood he has been prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits. To his first purchase of land he has added from time to time, until now he is the possessor of a valuable estate containing six hundred and forty-three acres. A part of this was in its original wildness when he bought it, and required hard labor to clear and improve it. By his indomitable energy and superior management he has been enabled to make his farm one of the most valuable in this locality, and has won a favorable and far-extended reputation for agricultural skill and business ability. In politics he is a member of the Democratic ranks. During one term he assisted in the improvement of the public highways as Road Supervisor. In June, 1865, Mr. Boor married Miss Rachel A. Sliger, daughter of the late George Sliger, of Cumberland Valley township. She became the mother of six children, three of whom are now living, namely: Maud E., wife of William Elliott, of Cumberland Valley; Aurora, wife of T. H. Oster, also of Cumberland Valley; and Lettie V., who is at home. Mrs. Boor died on October 8, 1896, leaving many friends to mourn her loss. Mr. Boor is an active member of the Methodist Protestant church, to which Mrs. Boor also belonged and in which he has served as steward. [210] SAMUEL WALTER, a highly esteemed citizen of Bedford Township, Bedford County, Pa., has been a resident of this county since the day of his birth, March 10, 1820. He is a son of the late Jacob and Mary (Dibert) Walter and a brother of Daniel Walter, in whose sketch, on another page of this volume, further parental and ancestral history may be found. Samuel Walter obtained the rudiments of his education in the subscription schools of his day, and was afterward a pupil in one of the first public schools organized in this section of the State. He was subsequently employed as a teacher during one winter term, but from that time until the present has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. For many years he was engaged in general farming and stock-raising, meeting with good success in each branch of industry. As a stock breeder and raiser he has done much to improve the grade of cattle kept in this locality, having been the first to introduce the Alderneys into the neighborhood. His neat and well-improved farm, with its substantial and conveniently arranged buildings, bears unmistakable evidence of the wise judgment that has been used in bringing it to its present state of cultivation, and is a credit to his intelligence, progressive spirit, and good management. Politically, he is a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and during his younger days he served several terms as School Director of Bedford township. More than half a century ago, on the 1st of November, 1846, Mr. Walter married Mary Reichard, who was born in Bedford township, Pa., December 7, 1821, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Imler) Reichard, both of whom were of pioneer ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have reared six children, namely: Lavanda, wife of O. G. McCoy; Caroline, wife of David Hershberger; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Vicroy; Annie, wife of Wayne Zimmers; Lottie, deceased; and Nettie. Among the oldest and most valued members of the Reformed church of Bedford are Mr. Walter and his estimable wife, who united with it many years ago. This venerable couple, by their long-continued cheerful industry and habits of thrift, have [211] acquired a competency that enables them to pass their declining days in comfort and plenty. [215] JACOB WALTER, a prosperous general farmer of Bedford, Bedford County, Pa., was born in this township, November 2, 1827. He is a son of the late Jacob, Sr., and Mary (Dibert) Walter. He has two brothers and two sisters now living; namely, Samuel, Daniel, Mary A., and Anna M. On the paternal side he is of French descent, and comes of excellent pioneer stock, his grandfather, Joseph Walter, having been among the earliest settlers of this section of the county. For further ancestral history see sketch of his brother Daniel, which appears elsewhere in this volume. Jacob Walter spent his early years upon the home farm, where he was reared to habits of industry, honesty, and thrift. His education was obtained by diligent improvement of the opportunities afforded him in the subscription and public schools of his time and by subsequent reading. Becoming a farmer from choice, he has engaged in the various branches of agriculture with notable success, so managing his well-improved farm of one hundred and thirty acres as to make it yield bountifully of the crops common to this part of the country. His homestead is located near Cessna. He formerly mined to some extent for iron ore, which was found in considerable quantities on the estate. On February 13, 1851, Mr. Walter was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Sill, who was born in Bedford township, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Stiffler) Sill. Her grandfather, George Sill, was one of the pioneers of Bedford County, having located on the farm now owned by Mr. Daniel Walter at an early period, and there made his home until his death, at the venerable age of eighty-three years. Daniel Sill, who lived to be seventy-two years old, was a lifelong resident of this place, and here reared his children, three of whom are yet living, as follows: Jonas Sill, of Bloomington, Ill.; John Henry Sill, of Bedford County; and Mrs. Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have nine children living, namely: Lloyd S., of Kansas City, Mo.; Mary E., wife of D. L. Keyser, of Johnstown, Pa.; Ella J., wife of J. E. Kaston, of Portland, Ore.; Urilla C., wife of Jacob Kaar, of Princeton, Ill.; Job, of East St. Clair, Pa.; Melinda, wife of Daniel Chrisman, of Buda, Ill.; Laura, wife of Albert Reininger, of Spring Meadow, Pa.; Georgia E., who lives at home; and Virgie E., wife of Ira Park Amick, of Philadelphia, Pa. One daughter, Mrs. Martha A. Miller, has passed from earth, and is survived by her daughter, Nettie Wray Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Walter are active members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, in which he has served both as Elder and as treasurer. [217] ELIAS BAKER, a worthy representative of the self-made men of our times, is prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits in Snake Spring, Bedford County, Pa. He was born October 26, 1852, in the near-by township of South Woodbury, a son of Peter and Mary (Snyder) Baker, both of whom spent their entire lives in Bedford County. He comes of good old pioneer stock, his grandfather, John Baker, having been an early settler of this part of the State. Peter Baker died in April, 1892, at his home in South Woodbury, Pa., where he had spent the greater part of his active life. He was a farmer by occupation, a man of considerable prominence, and a valued member of the German Baptist church. He and his good wife reared a large family of children, of whom the following survive: Jacob, of Blair County, Pennsylvania; John, Samuel, and Solomon, of South Woodbury, Pa.; Elias, the special subject of this brief biography; Daniel, of Blair County, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, widow of George Hoover, late of South Woodbury; Catherine, wife of Aaron Teeter, of South Woodbury; Rebecca, wife of George Brumbaugh, of Blair County, Pennsylvania; and Susan, wife of George Krisley, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Elias Baker attended first the district schools of South Woodbury township, where he resided until eight or nine years of age. Coming then to Snake Spring, he grew to manhood as a member of the household of Jacob Snyder, and in the public schools of this town completed his education. In 1875, having commenced life on his own account, Mr. Baker assumed the possession of his present farm, which under his energetic management has since been highy improved, being now one of the most attractive estates of this neighborhood. As a general farmer and stock-raiser he stands among the most prosperous, a position that he has valiantly earned by industry, economy, and honesty. A loyal, public-spirited citizen he heartily favors anything likely to improve town or county, and never [218] shirks the responsibilities of public office. He has served three years as Township Auditor, one year as judge of elections, and is now filling his first term as a member of the local School Board. Politically, he is a good Republican, and, religiously, he belongs to the German Baptist church. Mr. Baker married Miss Anna Harclerode, daughter of William Harclerode, a well-known citizen of Snake Spring, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have eight children living; namely, Mary J., James E., William H., Rebecca M., Peter L., Sherman H., Susan, and Daniel P. [222] WILLIAM H. SCHAEFFER, of Colerain township, Pa., is numbered mong the successful farmers and business men of the community, and is held in high respect as one who at all times well performs his duty as a law-abiding citizen. He was born at the homestead where he now resides, January 31, 1846, a son of Henry and Rebecca (Beegle) Schaeffer, and comes of pioneer stock. His grandfather, Jacob Schaeffer, migrated from Lehigh County, this State, to Bedford County, at an early day, and settled near Rainsburg, in Colerain township, on the farm now owned by Mr. William Young. He there redeemed a large tract of land from the wilderness, and for many years engaged in farming pursuits. Henry Schaeffer, son of Jacob, was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and devoted the greater part of his active life to agricultural labor. After arriving at man's estate he settled on the farm now owned and carried on by his son, William H., where until his death, in 1855, he followed his chosen occupation. He was an industrious, energetic man, well liked by all who knew him, and was a consistent member of the Lutheran church. Of his union with Re- [223] becca Beegle, who was a native of Colerain township, four children were born, three of whom still live, as follows: Annie E., wife of William May, of Shelby, Ohio; William H., the special subject of this sketch; and Hester A., wife of Albert Pheasant of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. One daughter, Mary J., died May 12, 1896. The mother, who attained the age of seventy-five years, died in 1889. William H. Schaeffer in his boyhood pursued his studies in the common schools of Colerain, which he attended principally in the winter terms. He was but ten years old when his father died, and five years later, he being the only son of his widowed mother, had to practically assume the management of the home farm, thus beginning his life work at an unusually early age. He has added to the place a large part of the improvements, and by toilsome labor well directed has made a success where men of less calibre and activity would have made a dismal failure. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, with which he has been familiar from youth, and has his one hundred and forty acres of land mostly under cultivation. Mr. Schaeffer first married on January 5, 1871, Mary J. Shaffer, a sister of Samuel Shaffer, of Colerain, Pa., She died while yet in the prime of womanhood, leaving five children–Harry W., Ada R., Clarence W., Flora C., and Charles E. Mr. Schaeffer subsequently married Miss Annetta Rose, a native of Ohio. Two children, Howard L. and an infant son, have been born of this union. [224] HEZEKIAH BARKMAN, a well-known and highly respected citizen of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, was born on April 11, 1828, not far from his present home in Monroe township. He is the representative of an old and honored family of this part of the county, being a son of the late Joseph Barkman, who died in 1861 in Monroe, where his entire life had been spent. Joseph Barkman was a man of some prominence in his day, a firm advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and for a time a Constable of the township. Of the children born of his union with Elizabeth Fletcher, the following-named are now living: Hezekiah, the special subject of this sketch; Jacob, of Monroe; Susan, widow of the late Daniel Fletcher, of Monroe; Philip, of Monroe; and David, who resides in Iowa. Hezekiah Barkman in his boyhood was at [225] first a pupil in the subscription schools of his day. He afterward attended the public schools until old enough to earn his own living. Having a natural inclination for mechanical employment, when a youth of sixteen years he began learning the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he served an apprenticeship of three years in Cumberland, Md. This trade he afterward followed as journeyman or contractor for a number of years, at first in Cumberland, Md., where he resided eight years, and later in Washington County, Iowa, where he was employed a short time. Leaving that section of the Union, Mr. Barkman returned to Monroe township, where he has made his permanent home. He has since devoted more of his time to agricultural pursuits than to carpentering, having successfully carried on his finely-appointed farm of ninety-six acres. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted August 17, 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Under Generals Meade and Grant he participated in several engagements, among them being the battle of Cold Harbor, where he was so seriously wounded in the left hand that the usefulness of that member of the body was destroyed. He was sent from the field to the hospital, and as soon as convalescent was honorably discharged, having been in service a little less than three years. True to the political faith in which he was reared, Mr. Barkman has always supported the Democratic party. For three years he served as Commissioner of Bedford County, an office which he filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. [227] WILLIAM C. WERTZ, a prosperous farmer and a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Cumberland Valley, Pa., was born in this township, April 14, 1814, a son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Wertz, both lifelong residents of this section of Bedford County. His paternal grandfather, whose given name was Paul, was born in Germany. Emigrating when a comparatively young man, Paul Wertz became one of the early settlers of Cumberland Valley. He at once identified himself with the best interests of his adopted country, in every way proving himself a loyal and faithful citizen. In the War of 1812 he served as a soldier on the Niagara frontier, his regiment being stationed at Black Rock, just below Buffalo. William C. Wertz was brought up as a farmer's boy, receiving his early education in the pioneer schools of his day. On coming of age he began life's battle on his own account by putting into practice the knowledge of agriculture that he had obtained while living beneath the parental roof-tree; and in course of time he transformed the wild land on which he commenced work into a valuable farm, on which he has since resided. The one hundred and fifty acres of land contained in his estate is finely improved, a large part of it being in a good state of cultivation. Throughout his active years Mr. Wertz labored with unremitting toil, and, as a result, met with a deserved success; but more recently he has left the management of his property to his son, Scott A. Wertz. In his political affiliations he is a sound Democrat, and for two terms rendered [228] his district good service as Road Supervisor. He is a member of the Lutheran church, to which his family also belongs. On November 3, 1839, Mr. Wertz married Elizabeth Boor, a daughter of Michael Boor, the descendant of a pioneer settler of Cumberland Valley township. They have reared six children, as follows: Mary J., wife of John A. Beegle; Melvina; Scott A.; Amanda E., wife of M. B. Smith; Ann C., wife of W. E. Oster; and Rachel E. Scott A. Wertz, the only son, was born July 6, 1845, on the home farm, which he is now conducting in a thorough and skilful manner, employing the most approved modern methods and machinery. Nor is this all: he gives a part of his attention to the cultivation of about thirty-eight acres of his own. Energetic, practical, and possessing much business ability he takes a deep interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the town, which he has served one term as Assessor. He is an active member of the Lutheran church, of which he has been the treasurer and is at the present time a Deacon. Of his union with Rachel Smith, a daughter of William Smith, late of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, one son has been born; namely, William W. Wertz. DAVID R. SMITH, the Postmaster at Wolfsburg, Bedford County, Pa., is a well- known citizen of this borough, and as the head of the enterprising firm of D. R. Smith & Son is actively identified with its mercantile and manufacturing interests. He was born April 3, 1840, in Ross County, Ohio, a son of Robert A. Smith, the descendant of an old and much respected family of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Robert A. Smith was born and reared in St. Clair township, Pa., whence he removed when a young man to Ross County, Ohio, where he made his home until 1847. Returning then to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, he resided in Schellsburg until his decease, September 3, 1859. He married Mary A. McClandish, who was born in Scotland. Of their children, three are living, namely: David R., the special subject of this biography; Miles N., of Johnstown, Pa.; and Mary A., wife of Theodore Lehman, of Bedford township. David R. Smith was a lad of seven years when his parents removed to Schellsburg. When about eight years old he went to East St. Clair township, where he resided with an uncle, Thomas Blackburn, for seven years. He subsequently served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. In 1859 he settled in Wolfsburg, where, purchasing land, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. While still interested to some extent in general farming, in 1881 he began his career as a merchant, and four years ago, in partnership with his son, established his present cigar factory, in the management of which the firm has met with good success. On October 1, 1864, Mr. Smith enlisted as a private in the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a member of Company B, in which he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served until the close of the war. His [231] regiment was assigned to the army of the Potomac, and took an active part in the engagements at Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, and other battles and skirmishes, and was at Appomattox when Lee surrendered. In all the exciting and perilous scenes though which he passed as a citizen-soldier, Mr. Smith bore himself valiantly. He was mustered out with his regiment on May 30, 1865, at Washington, D.C., and at once returned to Wolfsburg, where he resumed his agricultural work. Mr. Smith is a strong advocate of all movements calculated to promote the general welfare of the community in which he lives; and, though not an aspirant for official honors, has served most acceptably as a Jury Commissioner of Bedford County, and as School Director of Bedford township. He is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and is a member of various fraternal organizations, including the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, the Brush Run Grange, and Watson Past, G.A.R., of Bedford. Many years ago he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, as he is also of the parsonage property. On September 29, 1859, Mr. Smith married Barbara A., daughter of William Smith, late of Bedford, Pa. She died January 18, 1888, having been the mother of five children, four of whom are living, as follows: Mary E., wife of Max Beckhofer, of Everett, Pa.; William H., of Wolfsburg; David F., of Wolfsburg; and Flora V., wife of Vinton Gwinn, of Wood County, Ohio. Mr. Smith married for his second wife Miss Ruie Snively, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Of this union are two children; namely, Anna L., and Donald R. DAVID DIEHL, a citizen of prominence and influence in Colerain township, is widely and favorably known throughout Bedford County, which he served three consecutive years as Sheriff. He was born in Colerain, Pa., April 13, 1825, a son of John and Mary (Koontz) Diehl. He is a descendant in the fourth generation of Samuel Diehl, who removed from Loudoun County, Virginia, to Friend's Cove, Pa., in 1784, and became the founder of the Diehl family of this locality. Further ancestral history may be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of Henry P. Diehl, a kinsman of David Diehl. John Diehl, a lifelong resident of Colerain township, died here on May 10, 1870. He was identified with the agricultural interests of this community as a prosperous farmer, and assisted in its educational progress while serving as a School Director. In his earlier years he was a Whig in politics, and from the formation of the Republican party became one of its strongest supporters. His wife's maiden name was Mary Koontz. She bore him several children, of whom the following survive: Levi H., of Illinois; David, the special subject of this brief sketch; John S., of Mann's Choice, Pa.; Mrs. Susanna Exline, of Mercer County, Ohio; Mary, wife of Jacob Harclerode, of Lafayette County, Missouri; and Samuel J., of Van Wert County, Ohio. [232] David Diehl received his mental equipment for life's battle in the common schools of Colerain, and on the parental homestead was drilled in the many branches of agriculture to which he has devoted the better part of his life. One of the leading farmers of Colerain and a man of strong personality, he has wielded a good influence in the community, where his qualities are well understood and appreciated. He has been elected to various important positions of public trust, having served as Road Supervisor one term, as School Director one term, and as Justice of the Peace eight years. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Diehl, a strong Republican living in a Democratic district, was elected Sheriff of Bedford County by a notable majority of two hundred and fifty good votes, a fact that attests his popularity as a man and as a citizen. Going into office the first day of the following January, he removed to Bedford, Pa., where he resided until the expiration of his official term, three years later. He was a prime mover in the organization of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Rainsburg, of which he is a charter member; and he also belongs to the Bedford Camp, No. 114. He united with the Reformed church a long time ago, and has since served as Deacon and as Elder, the latter being an office that he now holds. On December 6, 1850, Mr. Diehl married Miss Eve A. Ritchey, a daughter of the late John R. Ritchey, of Bedford, Pa. She died August 24, 1892, leaving five children, namely: John R.; Matthew I.; Olive C., wife of Charles E. Stuckey; Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Smith; and U. Grant. Two other children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl; namely, Samuel H. and Susan, both of whom have passed to the life beyond. [234] JOHN M. ZEMBOWER, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Cumberland Valley, Pa., was born in this township, May 16, 1836, a son of Adam and Mahala (Barnes) Zembower, both lifelong residents of Bedford County. He comes of thrifty German ancestry, and is the representative of a pioneer family of Cumberland Valley township, being a grandson of John Zembower, who was an early settler of this place. Adam Zembower was a man of prominence in his day, especially active in the Democratic party, and for a number of years serving as Justice of the Peace in Cumberland Valley. He was enterprising and progressive; and, in addition to successfully carrying on his farm, he and his father established one among the earliest grist-mills put in operation in this vicinity. John M. Zembower received a common-school education, and grew to manhood on the parental homestead. As a youth he worked some of the time in his father's mill, which was well known for miles around as Zembower's grist-mill, and on the farm obtained a thorough knowledge of the various branches of husbandry. To this latter occupation he has devoted the major part of his time, and on the three hundred acres of land that are included in his home farm he has done much of the pioneer labor connected with its development and improvement. By energetic perseverance, foresight, and the exercise of good judgment in business matters he has accumulated through his own efforts a competency that may well enable him to spend his remaining days in peace and plenty. True to the political faith in which he was reared, Mr. Zembower is a stanch Democrat, always ready to support the principles of his party by voice and vote. Although preferring the quietude of domestic life to the cares of public service, he has on especial occasions been induced to accept office. For two years he was School Director of the township, and he has been Inspector of Elections. Mr. Zembower married on July 7, 1861, Miss Louise Hite, who was born in Cumberland Valley, Pa., a daughter of Elias Hite. They have three children, namely: Cora, wife of Joshua Gillum, of Maryland; Rebecca, wife of Curtis Boor, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; and Elmer T., who is married to Heriatta J. Dawson, and lives at home. [240] CAPTAIN ELI EICHELBERGER, one of the Associate Judges of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, has for many years been actively identified with the mining, mercantile, and political interests of this section of the State, but more especially of the town of Saxton, in which he resides. He was born January 4, 1840, in Bedford County, which was the native place of his parents, James and Susan (Adams) Eichelberger. After completing his education, which was principally obtained in the common schools, he enlisted, April 23, 1861, in Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, of which he was at once commissioned First Lieutenant. Two years and a half later, in consequence of vacancy, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and in that capacity had command of his company until mustered out of service. With the Army of the Potomac, to which the Reserves were attached, he took part in the seven days' fight before Richmond, the second battle of Bull Run, and in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was seriously wounded in the left thigh. As soon as he had recovered sufficiently to travel, he was discharged from the service, in October, 1864, and at once returned to his old home in Bedford County. In January, 1867, Captain Eichelberger established himself in the mercantile business in Saxton, Pa., as junior member of the firm of J. A. & E. Eichelberger, which existed a full quarter of a century, but, by reason of inevitable changes, is now E. Eichelberger & Sons, with the Captain at its head. He has also been actively associated with other prominent enterprises of the county, having been for a number of years one of the firm of Eichelberger & Sons, proprietors of the Hopewell Furnace, and since 1891 an extensive operator in coal, his mineral beds being located in Huntingdon County. For eighteen years Captain Eichelberger served most acceptably as Postmaster at Saxton, and in 1898 he had the honor of being elected Associate Judge of the county for a term of five years. Politically, he is a Republican and a vigorous supporter of the principles and measures advocated by his party. Fraternally, he is a member of the G.A.R. Post at Saxton; of the Everett Lodge, No. 524, F & A.M., at [241] Everett, Pa.; and of the Hopewell Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hopewell. He is a liberal contributor to religious organizations and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Captain Eichelberger has been twice married. His first wife, Helen M. Wishart, died in early life, leaving one son, James A. He subsequently married Miss Maggie Ashcom, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had two children, namely: Robert, deceased; and Coolidge. NATHAN A. BLAIR, a well-known citizen of Hyndman, Pa., is cashier of the National Bank of South Pennsylvania, a responsible position, which he has filled most acceptably for several years. A son of Archibald Blair, who was of Scotch- Irish ancestry, he was born in Cumberland Valley township, July 12, 1848. The Blair family, which has long been prominent in the southern part of this State, was first represented in America, it is said, by five brothers, who came here in Colonial times. The Blairs were some of them active in both the Revolutionary struggle and the War of 1812. A descendant of the emigrant progenitor of Nathan A. Blair was one of the original settlers of Blair County, Pennsylvania, which was named in his honor. Frank P. Blair, the noted statesman, sprang from the same honored stock, having been a second cousin of Archibald Blair, father of the subject of this sketch. Archibald Blair spent his entire life in Cumberland Valley township, of which his father, John Blair, was an early pioneer. He was an energetic, industrious man, reared to the habits of thrift that characterize the Scotch-Irish; and in his active career he improved a good farm, on which he resided until his death in 1871. Prominent in town affairs, he was frequently called upon to fill local offices, and for several years was Justice of the Peace. His wife, whose maiden name was Matilda Smith, was born and bred in Napier, Bedford County, where her parents were highly esteemed residents. Nathan A. Blair made the most of the educational opportunities offered by the district schools; and the knowledge he there acquired has been continually advanced by reading, observation, and practical experience. After leaving the home farm he worked as a boot and shoe maker for a few years in Centreville, Pa., where he subsequently opened a store of general merchandise. This he conducted successfully until 1889, when he was appointed assistant cashier of the National Bank of South Pennsylvania. Proving himself especially faithful and competent, he was promoted to the cashiership of the bank in 1890, a position which he is now filling to the satisfaction of all concerned. A Democrat in his political affiliations, interested in the welfare of his town and county, Mr. Blair has never shrunk from duties imposed upon him by his fellow-townsmen, but has served a number of terms as School Director of Hyndman borough, and for fifteen years was Justice of Peace in Cumberland Valley township. He is a member in high standing of Cumberland Valley Lodge, No. 849, I. O. O. F., and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Blair and Caroline M., daughter of the late John Elder, of Cum- [242] berland Valley, Pa., were married on May 16, 1869. They have four children now living, namely: Oscar D., a resident of Hyndman, Pa., who there served as Postmaster under President Cleveland's second administration; Florence M., wife of D. B. Young, of Hyndman, John A.; and Alice V. The deceased are: Lydia J., Edna J., and Mary V.