Biography: BEDFORD, Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., PA, pp. 315-342

BEDFORD biographies contributed by Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com

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                             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:

Amos Eshelman
Philip Clark
Solomon Bohn
Samuel B. Sparks
William D. Ritchey
Daniel Wolford
William H. Diehl
Jacob L. Mellott
David T. Lutz
William Deremer
Abraham Schnably
Levi H. Whetstone
Simon C. Merkle
John Dicken
Joseph Stayer

[315]

AMOS ESHELMAN, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Monroe, Bedford County, 
is now serving as president of the township School Board, a position which he 
has held the past three years.  He is a native of Snake Spring township, Pa.  
His parents were John and Priscilla (Nycum) Eshelman.
  John Eshelman contracted typhoid fever while serving in the Civil War, and 
died soon after returning to his home in Snake Spring township, Pa.  He was 
twice married, his first wife having been Hannah Williams Eshelman, the mother 
of Albert B. Eshelman, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another page of 
this volume.  His second wife, whose maiden name was Priscilla Nycum, survived 
him but five years.
  Amos Eshelman was but five years old when his father died, and five years 
later he was bereft of a mother's care.  He was reared to man's estate in the 
home of his maternal uncle, J. Watson Nycum, of Monroe township, and was here 
educated.  Choosing the independent occupation with which he became familiar 
while young, he purchased his present farm of about one hundred and seventeen 
acres in 1882, and has since met with eminent success in its care and 
cultivation.  As a man especially interested in all matters relating to the 
education of the young, he has represented the best element of the township on 
the local School Board, on which he is serving his second term, two years of the 
time having been its treasurer and three years its president.  He is a stanch 
Republican in his political affiliations and an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, which he is officially serving as steward and trustee.
  Mr. Eshelman married Miss Judie Weimer, daughter of the later Barnerd Weimer, 
of Monroe township.  Six children have been born of their union; namely, Ethel 
E., Emma E., Minnie B., Ross B., Charley C., and Marshall E.

[316]

PHILIP CLARK, who for years has been identified with the highest interests of 
East Providence township, Pa., where he is an old and well-known resident, was 
born on July 25, 1828, in West Providence, Bedford County, of which township his 
father, Joel Clark, was a lifelong citizen.  His grandfather, Thomas Clark, Jr., 
was a son of Thomas Clark, Sr., who was one of the original settlers of West 
Providence, and who attained the remarkable age of one hundred and five years.
  Thomas Clark, Jr., suffered all the hardships and privations of frontier life 
while engaged in the work of reclaiming a homestead from the wilderness, the 
toilsome labor and patient endurance required therefor being inconceivable to 
those who have not accomplished the task or watched its doing.  In the rude log 
house which he built in the opening first made by his hand he reared his family 
of children, one of whom was the son Joel, above named.
  Joel Clark when a young man served an apprenticeship of two years at the 
blacksmith's trade in Ohio.  Returning then to Bedford County, he settled on a 
farm in the township of West Providence, where he carried on blacksmithing in 
connection with farming until his death in 1864, at a venerable age.  
Industrious, capable, and thrifty, he accumulated a large property, at one time 
having been the owner of a thousand acres of land in this locality.  He was 
active in township matters, and as a member of the Christian church was quite 
prominent in religious work.  He was twice married.  His first wife was Rebecca 
McDan-

[317]

iel, the mother of Philip Clark.  Six of his children still live, namely: 
Philip; Rachel, widow of the late Peter M. Barton, of Ray's Hill, Pa.; 
Alexander, of West Providence, Pa.; Wilson, of East Providence, Pa.; Margaret, 
wife of Samuel Howser, of West Providence, Pa.; and Amanda, of Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania.
  Philip Clark obtained the rudiments of his education in the old log school-
house, which was furnished in the most primitive manner, with slab seats resting 
upon wooden pegs, and with writing-desks for the older pupils made by fastening 
a board to the log wall by means of wooden hinges, the entire building being of 
the rudest possible construction.  In 1848 he removed to East Providence, which 
he has since claimed as his home.  Here he has been prosperously employed as a 
tiller of the soil the greater part of the time.  In August, 1864, he enlisted 
as a private in Company I, Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which 
became a part of the Army of the Potomac.  He first appeared in action in 
various raids and skirmishes, including the one at Weldon Railroad, after which 
he participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman, Gravel Creek, 
the siege of Petersburg.  He was more or less under fire until after the 
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.  In the morning of that eventful day at 
Appomattox he was in a post of danger, being on the skirmish line.
  On June 7, 1865, he received his honorable discharge from the army, and 
immediately returned to his home in East Providence.  He was subsequently 
employed for a while by the firm of Harris & Williams as manager of their 
business, which consisted of getting out material for and manufacturing hoops of 
different sizes.  These were sent to Cuban markets to be used in the 
construction of sugar casks.  The firm also made locust pins for use in building 
ships.  Since resigning that position Mr. Clark has been prosperously engaged in 
agricultural pursuits.  He owns one hundred acres of land, about sixty of which 
he has cleared by cutting off the timber.
  Politically, Mr. Clark is a strong Republican, and has never shirked official 
responsibilities and duties.  He has served as president, as secretary, and as 
clerk of the east Providence School Board, of which he has been a member twelve 
years, as township Assessor two terms, and as Tax Collector two years.  
Fraternally, he belongs to the J. R. Callahan Post, No. 559, G.A.R., at Ray's 
Hill, Pa., and for two years was Commander of the same.  In the Christian 
church, of which he is an active member, he has been Deacon several years.
  Mr. Clark has been twice married.  His first wife, Sarah E. Segil, at her 
death left him with a large family of children, namely: Isabella J., wife of 
Samuel Thomas, of Broad Top, Pa.; Isaac, of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania; 
Lewis, of Fulton County, this State; Barton N., of West Providence, Pa.; Laura, 
wife of Scott Gordon, also of West Providence; Boston, of Everett, Pa.; Mary A., 
wife of Jacob Ritchey, of West Providence; Harvey H., of Broad Top, Pa.; and 
Emma E., wife of James Figard, of Broad Top, Pa.  Mr. Clark

[318]

married for his second wife Mrs. Ruhama Rohm, widow of John F. Rohm, late of 
Everett, Pa., and daughter of the late George Shaw, of Monroe township, Pa.  Of 
this union have been born three children - Ira A., Chester R., and Pearl Irene.

[319]

SOLOMON BOHN, a thriving agriculturist of Harrison township, Pa., well known as 
a patriotic citizen and a solider of the Civil war, was born on May 10, 1832, in 
Allegheny County, Maryland.  He is a son of the late John Bohn and the 
descendant of an old Virginia family, his paternal grandfather, Martin Bohn, 
having been born and bred in that State.
  About the year 1853, John Bohn, who grew to manhood in Maryland and lived 
there some years after his marriage, removed with his family to Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania, and locating in Londonderry township made that his home during the 
remainder of his earthly career.  His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine 
Close, was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
  Solomon Bohn acquired his education in the public schools of Alleghany County, 
Maryland, where he lived until attaining his majority.  Coming with his parents 
to Londonderry township, Bedford County, he resided there a short time, and 
after that spent several years in the neighboring town of Juniata.  During the 
progress of the Civil War he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the 
Potomac.  He was at the front in the battle of Fredericksburg, in the siege of 
Petersburg, at Hatcher's Run, at Sailor's Swamp, also in numerous other 
engagements of less notable importance, and was at Appomattox at the time of 
Lee's surrender, on the memorable 9th of April, 1865.  Subsequently receiving 
his discharge from the army, Mr. Bohn returned to Bedford County, and very soon 
after settled on his present homestead in Harrison township.  He has about two 
hundred acres of land, on which he is making substantial improvements.  A large 
part of his farm is under cultivation, and as a general farmer and stock-raiser 
he is reaping well-merited success.  He is held in high esteem as a man of 
integrity, and is actively identified with political affairs as a stanch 
Republican.

[320]

  Mr. Bohn married Catherine Huffman, who was born and brought up in Harrison 
township, a daughter of the late Samuel Huffman.  Six children have blessed 
their union, namely: Albert; Irvine S.; Jane, wife of Harry Heller; Charles; 
Howard L.; and Mary, deceased.

[321]

SAMUEL B. SPARKS is a prominent farmer and an extensive lumber manufacturer and 
dealer of West Providence, Pa., where he was born on October 8, 1848, and where 
his paternal grandfather, Joseph Sparks, who fought in the Revolutionary War, 
was a pioneer settler.  This township was also the place of birth of his father, 
the late John S. Sparks, Esq.  The Sparks family, it is said, originated in 
England.
  John S. Sparks was influential in business and political circles, and during 
his entire life was actively identified with the highest interests of his 
township.  For thirty years prior to his death, which occurred in August, 1876, 
he served as Justice of the Peace, and was familiarly known as Squire Sparks.  A 
leader among the Whigs in his earlier days, he was a stanch supporter of the 
Republican party from the time of its formation.  He married Rebecca Wareham, 
who was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, eighty-three years ago, and is 
now living in Clearville, Bedford County, being one of the oldest and most 
respected women of that town.  She is a member of the Lutheran church, to which 
her husband also belonged.  Of their children five are now living, as follows: 
Joseph, of Clearville, Pa.; John C., also of Clearville; Samuel B., the subject 
of this sketch; Abraham W., a resident of the State of Washington; and Mary, 
wife of Aaron Stayer, of Monroe, Pa.
  Samuel B. Sparks in common with the companions of his youth obtained his 
education in the district schools.  Beginning life for himself at an early age, 
he selected farming as an occupation, and in addition to following that industry 
he has also operated a saw-mill, as a lumber manufacturer and dealer meeting 
with excellent success.  In the management of his farm of two hundred and 
twenty-seven acres and in the work of the mill he is kept well employed, as is 
fully shown by the neat and attractive appearance of his premises.  A man of 
broad and generous spirit, he is a promoter of enterprises that are calculated 
to advance the prosperity of the town or county.  In politics he is a firm 
Republican, and has served as School Director of the township two terms, and has 
also been a member of the Board of Elections.
  Mr. Sparks married Mary Stayer, daughter of the late Aaron Stayer, of West 
Providence, Pa.  They are the parents of six children, namely: Rebecca, wife of 
Frank Wicht; John C.; Russell S.; Joseph P.; Abraham W.; and Charles C.

[322]

WILLIAM D. RITCHEY, general merchant, a liberal-minded, progressive citizen of 
Tatesville, Pa., was born in West Providence, Bedford County, March 14, 1840, a 
son of Jacob and Sarah (Stoner) Ritchey.  He comes of substantial pioneer 

[323]

stock, his paternal grandfather, Adam Ritchey, having been among the earlier 
settlers of West Providence.  Jacob Ritchey, the father above named, was born in 
Bedford County.  For a number of years during his active career he owned and 
operated a tannery in Hopewell township, where his death occurred in 1864.  He 
was identified by membership with the Reformed church, and was well known in 
this part of the county.
  William D. Ritchey was educated in the schools of Hopewell township, where he 
grew to manhood.  In his later youth he worked for a time at farm labor, but 
subsequently learned the carpenter's trade.  In 1861, shortly after the breaking 
out of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry, which was assigned to that part of the Army of the Potomac then known 
as the Pennsylvania Reserves.  With his regiment he was on the field of action 
in a number of important engagements, including the following - the battle at 
Drainsville, the seven days' fight before Richmond, at Fredericksburg, the 
battles of the Wilderness, at Weldon Railroad, the siege of Petersburg, and 
Hatcher's Run.  He was also at Appomattox when General Lee surrendered and the 
conflict was ended.  While on duty before Richmond he was so seriously injured 
as to necessitate his removal to the hospital at David's Island, New York, where 
he was confined for a time, and had to submit to an operation before recovery. 
He was subsequently captured twice by the rebels, on each occasion making his 
escape by running the gauntlet.  He enlisted as a private, was afterward made 
Color Corporal, and subsequently promoted to the rank of First Duty Sergeant, 
receiving his discharge as such.  Returning then to Hopewelll, Mr. Ritchey was 
for nine years a foreman for Harris & Dorrier, who manufactured hoops for the 
Cuban sugar trade.  After giving up that position he was connected for about 
eighteen years with the Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railway Company as a 
carpenter, his work being chiefly confined to bridge building.  For a number of 
years he has carried on general farming to some extent, and since 1898, when he 
purchased the entire business of O. F. Clapper, a merchant in Tatesville, he has 
been successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits.  He is a stanch Republican in 
politics, and has served as Road Supervisor in Hopewell township.  Fraternally, 
he is a member of the Grand Army Post, of Everett, Pa.
  Mr. Ritchey has been three times married, and is the father of five children; 
namely, John T., James W., Ida C., Annie E., and Sallie.

[327]

DANIEL WOLFORD, a thriving agriculturist of Harrison township, Pa., is well 
known as a loyal citizen who served his country in her hour of need as a soldier 
in the Civil War.  He was born June 13, 1841, in Londonderry, Bedford County, 
this State, the birthplace of his parents, Adam F. and Elizabeth (May) Wolford.
  Adam F. Wolford passed the greater part of his active life in Londonderry 
township.  Energetic and industrious, he was accounted a worthy representative 
of the self-made men of his time.  From his youth until his decease in August, 
1894, he took interest in the improvement and advancement of the locality in 
which he lived.  He was an active member of the Republican party and of the 
United Evangelical church, with which he was connected for years.  Of the 
children born of his union with Miss May, the following-named survive: Daniel, 
the subject of this sketch; Frederick, of Londonderry, Pa.; Levi, also of that 
town; Mary, wife of John Stauffer, of Londonderry; John H., of the same 
township; and Phoebe, wife of John L. Says, of West Virginia.
  Daniel Wolford was bred and educated in Londonderry.  In August, 1862, he 
enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and 
participated in the battles of Locust Grove, Winchester, Cedar Creek,

[328]

Lookout Mountain, Fisher's Hill, Sailor's Creek, and in many other engagements 
of less note.  On receiving his discharge from the service in June, 1865, Mr. 
Wolford resided for a short time in Londonderry, thence he moved to Napier.  A 
few years later he accepted a position in a tannery at Mann's Choice, Pa., in 
which he was employed until 1880.  Coming then to Harrison, he purchased his 
present farm in the southern part of the town, where he has since been 
successfully engaged in the pursuit of agriculture.  He has a well-equipped 
estate, on which he is constantly making improvements of an excellent character.  
Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party; and religiously, 
he is an active member of the United Evangelical church.
  Mr. Wolford married Miss Sarah C. Bender, of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  
They are the parents of nine children, namely: Howard H.; Ida, wife of John 
Madden; Myrtle, wife of Samuel Close; Mrs. Annie Thompson; Amanda, wife of John 
Valentine; Alice, wife of Irvin Weimer; Rennie; Jennie; and Bessie.

WILLIAM H. DIEHL, a wide-awake, enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of 
Colerain, Pa., son of the late Isaac Diehl, was born in this township, January 
4, 1848.  He is of German ancestry and a descendant of one of the well-known 
pioneers of that portion of Bedford County included within the limits of the 
town of Friend's Cove - namely, Samuel Diehl, Sr., who with his son, Samuel 
Diehl, Jr., then a small boy, migrated to that place from Loudoun County, 
Virginia.  (In the sketch of Henry P. Diehl, which may be found elsewhere in 
this book, further ancestral history is recorded.)
  Isaac Diehl, son of the younger Samuel, was born in Colerain, Pa., in 1805, 
and until his death, in 1872, was one of its most active and esteemed citizens.  
A self-made and a self-educated man, he valued highly the educational privileges 
that were extended to the young, and while serving his township as School 
Director he did all that lay in his power to advance the public school system.  
He was a stanch Democrat in his political views and a valued member of the 
Reformed church, in which he served both as Deacon and as Elder.  His wife, 
whose maiden name was Catherine Kegg, is still living, a venerable woman of 
eighty-eight years.  Of their children, five in number, four survive, namely: 
Benjamin F.; Eva A., wife of Henry Bingham of Colerain, Pa.; William H., subject 
of this sketch; and Rebecca, wife of George Beegle, of Snake Spring, Pa.
  William H. Diehl was reared to man's estate on the home farm, and in the 
schools of his neighborhood acquired his education.  Choosing farming as his 
life occupation, and applying himself with diligence and good judgment to the 
management of his affairs, he has been prosperous in his labors, and is now the 
possessor of an estate containing two hundred and thirty acres of land, a part 
of which is heavily timbered, while one hundred and twenty acres are under good 
cultivation.  In

[329]

addition to general farming, he has been quite largely engaged in stock-raising 
and to some extent in dairying.
  He is one of the leaders in local politics, being a sound Democrat, and his 
vote is ever cast on the side of progress and public welfare.  For two terms he 
was a School Director of Colerain township, a part of the time being treasurer 
of the board, and he is at present serving his first term as Township Auditor.  
For three years he was also Township Assessor.  Religiously, he is an active 
member of the reformed church, of which he is the treasurer.
  Mr. Diehl married for his first wife Alice Diehl, who bore him five children, 
namely: Blanche, wife of William Snyder, of Bedford, Pa.; Humphrey T.; Carrie 
C.; Ida M.; and Grover C.  Mr. Diehl married for his second wife Miss Lavanda 
Irene Ott, a sister of Francis M. Ott, a well-known citizen.

[331]

JACOB L MELLOTT, a thriving farmer and a well-known citizen of East Providence, 
Bedford County, was born in this township, July 31, 1845, a son of the late John 
W. Mellott.  His paternal grandfather, Jacob Mellott, was an early pioneer of 
Bedford County, whither he removed from Fulton County, Pennsylvania, and for 
many years was employed in clearing and improving the tract of wild land that he 
had taken up in East Providence.  He was industrious and energetic, and was held 
in high esteem by his neighbors as an honest and upright man.  
  John W. Mellott was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, where he spent the 
first eight years of his life.  Coming then with his parents to this township, 
he assisted in the development of the ancestral homestead on which he was 
reared, and after arriving at man's estate was engaged in agricultural pursuits 
on his own account until his decease, which occurred September 22, 1897.  He 
married Mary Lauterbaugh, of East Providence.  Of their children the following-
named are now living: Elizabeth, wife of William Brooks, of East Providence; 
Jacob L., the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of Simon Williams, of East 
Providence, Pa.; Anthony K., of West Providence, Pa.; Catherine, wife of George 
O'Neal, of East Providence; and Maria, wife of James Claybaugh, of East 
Providence.  Both parents were active and consistent members of the Lutheran 
church.
  Jacob L. Mellott acquired his elementary education in the common schools of 
the neighborhood in which he was reared.  Before attaining his majority he 
enlisted, on August 18, 1864, in Company K, Two Hundred and Eighth Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the James.  On March 25, 
1865, he fought in the battle at Fort Steadman, and a few days later was an 
active participant in the siege of Petersburg.  In June, 1865, after receiving 
his honorable discharge, he returned to East Providence, where he has since made 
his permanent home.  In 1882 he purchased his present farm, which is well 
adapted to general farming, and by his ambitious energy and skilful management 
has each year added to its improvements and value.  Politically, he supports the 
principles of the Republican party by voice and vote; and fraternally, he is a 
member of the J. R. Callahan Post, No. 559, G.A.R., at Ray's Hill, Pa., in which 
he has filled many offices of importance.
  On November 16, 1871, Mr. Mellott married Isabella Mortimore, a daughter of 
John Mortimore, late of Colerain township, of which he was a lifelong resident.  
His father, George Mortimore, was one of its pioneer settlers.  Mr. John 
Mortimore married Catherine Smouse, who was born and bred in Snake

[332]

Spring township, Pa., and of their children the following survive: Josiah, of 
West Providence, Pa.; Mary J., wife of Thomas M. Triplet, of Everett, Pa.; 
Alexander, of Ohio; William, living, it is supposed, in the State of Washington; 
and Mrs. Mellott.  Mr. and Mrs. Mellott are both members of the Lutheran church, 
in which he has served as Deacon.  Eight children have been born to them, and 
six are living, namely: Georgie A., wife of W. John Croyle; Elsie, a teacher in 
the public schools of East Providence; Minnie; Russell M.; Ellis L.; and 
Flossie.  The emigrant ancestor of the Mellott family is said to have come from 
France to America in Colonial times.  He located probably in Pennsylvania.  His 
descendants, we are told, are to be found in every State of the Union.

[333]

DAVID T. LUTZ, the popular steward of the Bedford County Almshouse, a prominent 
citizen of Bedford, Pa., was born September 15, 1848, in Snake Spring township, 
Bedford County, of which his paternal grandfather was a pioneer settler.
  His father, Michael Lutz, was born and reared in Snake Spring township, which 
was then included within the limits of West Providence township.  On reaching 
man's estate Michael Lutz established himself in business as a manufacturer of 
woollen goods, an occupation which he carried on successfully for many years.  
He became one of the leading citizens of that locality, and in the management of 
township affairs took a prominent part.  Interested in the advancement of 
educational facilities, he served several years as School Director of West 
Providence township. His wife, whose maiden name was Rosa Stuckey, was a native 
of Snake Spring township.
  David T. Lutz attended the public schools of Snake Spring township until 
fourteen years old, when he began working in his father's factory, known as the 
Juniata Woollen Mills, situated at Lutzville.  Entering in one of the lowest 
departments, he gradually worked his way upward, and in the course of a few 
years had become familiar with the details connected with the manufacturing of 
woollen goods.  Of these mills, in which he had worked in a subordinate position 
for so long, he became sole proprietor in 1872, and from that time until 1895 
operated them with eminent success.  In that year Mr. Lutz was appointed by the 
directors of the Bedford County Almshouse as steward of that institution, a 
position which he is now filling to the satisfaction of all concerned.  His 
administrative ability admirably fits him for this office, and his genial 
courtesy renders him especially popular with all that have dealings with him.
  Mr. Lutz served as a School Director and as Auditor of Snake Spring township, 
and has been a candidate for the office of Associate Judge of Bedford County.  
He is an active politician and a firm supporter of the principles of the 
Republican party.  He is a mem-

[334]

ber of the Lutheran church at Bald Hill in Snake Spring, which he has served in 
an official capacity for a score of years.  Besides this, as superintendent of 
the Union Sunday-school he has for twenty-seven years done a great deal toward 
improving the moral status of that section of the county, and awakening the 
religious zeal of the young people of Bald Hill.
  In 1870 Mr. Lutz married Miss F. V. Heffner, of Bedford County.  They have six 
children, namely: Simon M., who served in the late Spanish-American War at Porto 
Rico as a member of the ambulance corps of Brooke's army of invasion; Samuel J., 
of Snake Spring township; and George R., Harry A., Franklin B.; and Earl C., all 
of Bedford, Pa.

WILLIAM DEREMER, one of the leading citizens of Cumberland Valley, Bedford 
County, Pa., was born in this county, March 29, 1836.  He is a son of the late 
William Deremer, Sr.  His father was a lifelong resident of Bedford County, 
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits during his active career.
  After his marriage with Miss Mary A. Vaughn, who was also of this county, 
William Deremer, Sr., settled on a farm in Cumberland Valley township, where he 
resided until his death, which occurred on April 4, 1874.  Of his family the 
following-named children are now living: Mary A., widow of the late James 
Hudson; Peter, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; Jacob, also of Bedford County; William 
the first mentioned above; Caroline, widow of the late John Robinson; and 
Elizabeth, wife of William H. Rose.
  William Deremer, the subject of the present sketch, was educated in the public 
schools of Cumberland Valley.  By an intelligent reading of papers and 
periodicals he keeps himself well-informed on current events and the topics of 
the day.  On August 5, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-
third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the 
Potomac.  With his regiment he actively participated in the battles at Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and in various engagements and skirmishes of 
minor importance.  At the end of ten months, one month longer than the term for 
which he enlisted, he was discharged from the service.  Returning at once to 
Cumberland Valley, Mr. Deremer settled on his present farm of one hundred and 
seventy-four acres, on which he has made such excellent improvements as to 
render his estate one of the most valuable in the vicinity.  In his various 
undertakings he has been prospered, and he is now recognized as a thorough and 
able farmer, well versed in the most approved modern methods of carrying on his 
chosen occupation.
  A Republican in politics, with independent proclivities, Mr. Deremer has been 
influential in town and county affairs, and in public capacities has served his 
fellow-townsmen most faithfully.  For three years he was Road Supervisor and for 
five years Justice of the Peace.  He belongs to the Grand Army Post

[335]

of Bedford, Pa., and is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of 
Centreville, Pa., in which he has passed all the chairs, and on five different 
occasions has served as its representative at the Grand Lodge of the State of 
Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Deremer's first wife, formerly Miss Julia A. Elliott, of Bedford County, 
died in early womanhood.  He subsequently married Miss Emma J. Miller, of 
Cumberland Valley township.  By his first marriage Mr. Deremer had one son, 
William J., now deceased.

[336]

ABRAHAM SCHNABLY, a practical and thriving agriculturist of Bedford township, 
Bedford County, Pa., has been a resident of this place ever since his birth, 
which occurred on April 10, 1837.  His parents were John H. and Elizabeth 
(Eversole) Schnably.
  John H. Schnably was the son of Henry Schnably, and was born in Germany, the 
home of his ancestors.  He was but four years old when his father and mother 
emigrated from Germany, and, coming to Pennsylvania, settled in South Woodbury, 
Bedford County, where he grew to manhood.  After his marriage to Elizabeth 
Eversole, who was a native of Virginia, he removed to Bedford township, and here 
he resided until his death, at a ripe of age, in 1875.  He took an active part 
in township affairs, and for a number of terms served as Road Supervisor and Tax 
Collector.  Of his children four are still living, namely: David; John E.; 
Elizabeth, wife of Henry Kauffman; and Abraham, whose personal history is given 
below.
  Abraham Schnably in his youth availed himself of the educational opportunities 
afford by the district school, and has since continued to improve his mind by 
good reading, his aim being to keep himself well informed on current topics.  He 
has been a strong advocate of the public-school system, and as a School Director 
of Bedford township, a position that he filled three successive years, he 
labored faithfully in its interest.  His well-kept farm contains one hundred and 
twenty-eight acres.  He is a sound Democrat in politics, and as an active member 
of the Lutheran church takes a deep interest in religious work.
  Mr. Schnably married Miss Hettie Carrl, daughter of William Carrl, late of 
Bedford township, Pa.  They reared six children, namely: Alice A.; Minnie C., 
wife of Jacob

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Dell; Daniel L.; Martha M.; Harry M.; and Clarence C.  Mrs. Schnably, a most 
estimable woman, much respected and beloved, passed to the higher life on April 
30, 1890.

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LEVI H. WHETSTONE, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Colerain township, 
was born December 4, 1849, in Snake Spring, Pa., a son of Aaron and Catherine 
(Shafer) Whetstone.
  The homestead which he now owns and occupies has been in the Whetstone family 
four generations, the original owner having been Henry Whetstone, the great-
grandfather of Levi H.  The entire two hundred and fourteen acres of land now 
included in the farm was an almost pathless wilderness when it came into the 
possession of the pioneer, and required heroic labor to make it yield a 
comfortable living for himself and family.  His son Samuel, the next in line of 
descent, succeeded to the ownership of the farm, on which he added many 
improvements, including the clearing of several acres.
  Aaron Whetstone, son of Samuel, was born at the homestead.  Somewhat over 
twenty years of his active life he spent in the neighboring town of Snake 
Spring.  With that exception he was a resident of Colerain township.  He was 
quite active in public matters as a leading Democrat, and while in Snake Spring 
filled various township offices, including that of School Director.  He was a 
valued member of the Lutheran church.  He died on November 18, 1876.  Of his 
union with Catherine Shafer, of Bedford County, four children survive, namely: 
Margaret E., wife of A. J. Diehl, of Colerain, Pa.; Levi H., the special subject 
of this sketch; John S., of Snake Spring, Pa.; and Mary A.; wife of George W. 
Lutz, of Colerain, Pa.
  Levi H. Whetstone was reared and educated in Snake Spring township, where he 
lived until 1872.  Trained to habits of industry and thrift, he has been a hard 
worker from the days of his youth; and through years of experience has acquired 
a thorough knowledge of agriculture in all of its branches.  Since taking 
possession of the ancestral homestead in 1872, he has carried on general 
husbandry, including stock-raising, with profitable results, and is considered 
one of the most intelligent and skilful farmers of this section of the county.  
He has cleared a good deal of land, placing many additional acres under 
cultivation, thereby greatly enhancing the value of the estate.  Taking a keen 
interest in public matters, he has often been called upon to fill offices of 
trust in the community, having been township Auditor one term and for three 
years School Director, one year of the time being president of the board and one 
year its treasurer.  An active member of the Lutheran church, he has served as 
Deacon six years, and for seven years was treasurer of that organization.
  Mr. Whetstone has been twice married.  His first wife, Lydia Sollenberger, of 
Colerain, Pa., died in early womanhood, leaving two children, namely: Mary C. 
and David F., both of whom live at home.  For his second wife Mr. Whetstone 
married Mrs. Rebecca

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Diehl, widow of the late Adam K. Diehl, of Colerain township.

SIMON C. MERKLE, a prominent and promising young farmer of Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania, was born in Monroe township on the ancestral homestead, which he 
now occupies, January 10, 1868, a son of Henry and Julia A. (Karns) Merkle.  His 
paternal grandfather, Henry Merkle, Sr., was the first of the Merkle family to 
settle in this township, to which he came when a young man as a pioneer, and by 
his 

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sturdy industry did much to develop and improve the place.
  Henry Merkle, the second of the name, now a venerable man of seventy-eight 
years, has been a lifelong resident of Monroe, and during his years of activity 
was an important factor in the development of its agricultural resources.  He 
was well educated for his time, and being endowed with much musical talent he 
put this natural gift to good use as a teacher of music in his younger days.  He 
is a sound Republican in his political views, and as a loyal, public-spirited 
citizen has always taken a deep interest in the welfare and progress of the 
community in which he resides.  He is a member and at present a trustee of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, with which both he and his wife, now deceased, 
united many years ago.  Mrs. Merkle was a woman of superior qualities and a most 
worthy helpmeet.  Mr. Henry Merkle has eleven children now living.
  Simon C. Merkle obtained in the public schools of his native town the 
rudiments of his education, which was completed at the Shenandoah Institute in 
Dayton, Va.  He afterward taught music several years, having inherited in large 
degree the musical ability of his father, but more recently he has turned his 
attention to agriculture.  He has a good farm of one hundred acres, which he is 
managing with most satisfactory results.  He takes an active part in politics, 
being an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and is now serving his first 
term on the township Board of School Directors, of which he has been secretary 
and is now the treasurer.  He is a member and a trustee of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, a position also held by his father.  Fraternally, he belongs 
to Washington Camp, No. 424, P.O.S. of A., of the village of Mattie, in East 
Providence township, and is now serving as its treasurer.
  Mr. Merkle married Miss Estella B. Boor, daughter of Thaddeus S. Boor, of East 
Providence, Pa.  They have one son, Walter C., who was born July 21, 1897.

JOHN DICKEN, a venerable and well-known citizen of Cumberland Valley township, 
Pa., has been identified with its agricultural interests as a successful farmer 
and stock-raiser for a longer period, perhaps, than any other man now living. A 
son of Moses Dicken, he was born not far from his present home, October 14, 
1814.  His paternal grandfather, Amos Dicken, the founder of the Dicken family 
in Bedford County, was a pioneer settler of Cumberland Valley.  He is said to 
have been of English ancestry.
  Moses Dicken served as a soldier in the War of 1812.  He subsequently settled 
on a farm in Cumberland Valley, and until his death, in his seventy-eighth year, 
was successfully engaged in the various branches of husbandry.  Capable and 
trustworthy, he enjoyed the confidence of his fellow-citizens, and for several 
years held the office of Tax Collector.  He was a stanch Democrat in politics 
and a consistent member of the Methodist Protestant church.  Of his union with 
Elizabeth Brill,

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also a lifelong resident of Bedford County, a number of children were born, of 
whom the following still live: John, the special subject of this sketch; Henry; 
Mary A., widow of the late John Davis, of Maryland; Solomon, of whom a brief 
sketch may be found on another page of this volume; Ruth, widow of the late 
Francis Rice, of Cumberland Valley, Pa.; and Elizabeth, wife of James H. 
Brotmarkle, of Illinois.
  John Dicken attended the subscription schools when young, and in the rude log 
school-house, furnished with primitive desks and slab seats, acquired his 
elementary education.  Succeeding to the occupation in which he was reared, he 
has won a place of prominence among the most successful and thorough-going 
farmers of his neighborhood, and is a typical representative of the old and 
highly respected settlers of the township.  He owns a farm of about three 
hundred and thirty acres.  Mr. Dicken has served many years as Road Supervisor 
and Constable, and has also held the office of School Director.  For several 
years, in connection with farming, he did a good deal of auctioneering in this 
vicinity, being one of the most popular men in that line that could be found.  
He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united 
when young.
  In 1833 Mr. Dicken married Elizabeth Elliott, who was born in Cumberland 
Valley, a daughter of Thomas Elliott and a sister of George Elliott, of 
Cumberland Valley.  Of the twelve children that blessed the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Dicken, seven are now living, namely: Thomas W., of Cowley County, Kansas; 
Elizabeth, wife of D. S. Evans, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania; Rebecca, wife 
of James Hardinger, of Cumberland Valley; Priscilla, wife of George S. Hite, of 
Cumberland Valley; John C., also of Cumberland Valley; Alice L., widow of the 
late Lewis Zambower, of Cumberland Valley; and Charles F., who is employed in 
the government service in Washington, D.C.

JOSEPH STAYER, a School Director of Bedford Township, Bedford County, Pa., where 
he is an extensive land-owner and a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist, 
was born in Bedford, August 22, 1848.  He is a son of the late Aaron Stayer.  
His grandfather, John Stayer, who was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., and lived 
there until near the prime of his life, then came with other pioneers to Bedford 
County, and located with his family in the town of Bedford.  He was of German 
extraction.
  Aaron Stayer was a lad of about fourteen years when he came with his parents 
from Harper's Ferry to Bedford.  He grew to manhood in his new home, and, having 
taken up farming as an occupation, he here spent the remainder of his life, 
dying at an advanced age.  He was a man of high moral principles and a faithful 
member of the Dunkard church.  He married Mary Diffenbaugh, and had a large 
family of children, of whom the following-named are still living: John, of 
Monroe township, Pa.; Charles, of East Tennessee;

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Joseph, the direct subject of this biography; Adam, of Black Valley, Pa.; Aaron 
D., of Monroe township, Pa.; Eleanor, wife of Israel Morris, of Bedford County, 
Pennsylvania; Sarah, wife of Wilson Davis, also of Monroe, Pa.; Mary, wife of 
Samuel Sparks, of Black Valley, Pa.; and Rebecca, wife of George Robinson, of 
Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
  Joseph Stayer obtained his education in the public schools of Bedford 
township, and before reaching man's estate acquired the practical knowledge of 
agriculture that has since gained his success in his free and independent 
occupation of farming.  He has two hundred and seventy-six acres of land, a 
large part of which is devoted to tillage.  For a number of years Mr. Stayer has 
also engaged in threshing and saw-milling.  Taking a keen interest in the 
education of the young, he is now one of the township Board of School Directors.  
Fraternally, he belongs to the Oklahoma Tribe, No. 329, I.O.R.M., of Imlertown, 
and to the Brush Run Grange, P. of H.  Religiously, he is a Lutheran and an 
active member of the church of that denomination.
  Mr. Stayer married Susan Beegle, daughter of the late Samuel Beegle, of 
Bedford township.  They have six children; namely, William H., Edward R., Calvin 
J., Mary E., Carrie J., and Rosella.


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