BIO:  Joseph R. DIEHL, Oxford Township, Adams County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Chicago:  Warner, Beers & Co., 1886
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Part III, History of Adams County, Page 494

JOSEPH R. DIEHL, miller, P. O. New Oxford, is a native of Adams County, Penn., 
born June 3, 1838, near the old mill in Oxford Township, which, since 1790, has 
been in possession of the Diehl family, first owned and carried on by Peter 
Diehl, the grandfather of Joseph R.  The parents of the latter were Daniel and 
Leah (Myers) Baugher Diehl, the history of whose ancestors appears in the sketch 
of Mrs. Leah Diehl.  Joseph R. attended the common schools of his neighborhood, 
and completed his studies at the college or academy of Dr. Pfeiffer, located in 
New Oxford.  In 1854, he was employed as clerk for one year for William D. and 
Alexander S. Himes, and then entered the employ of Aaron Heagy, with whom he 
remained three years.  After this he learned the miller’s trade, with George W. 
Diehl.  In 1860 he again engaged in mercantile business with Mr. Heagy, and 
March 4, 1862, was united in marriage with Katie, daughter of Elias and 
Elizabeth Slagle.  The domestic life of our subject and wife was commenced in 
the old Diehl mansion, and Mr. Diehl took charge of the mill near by.  In 1863, 
after the death of his father, he purchased the mill, since which time he has 
been engaged in the milling business.  To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl 
have been born three sons and one daughter:  Charles E., Martin D., Alverta L. 
and Ervin J.  Charles E. has received a commercial education, and is now engaged 
in mercantile business in New Oxford.  The others are still with their parents.  
Both Mr. and Mrs. Diehl have been lifelong members of the Lutheran Church, of 
the council of which he has been a member for a quarter of a century.  Mr. Diehl 
has for many years been earnestly devoted to and interested in the cause of 
education and has since 1870 been secretary of the school board and a director.  
A Republican by education and principle, he has always voted with that party, 
and was, in 1884 their candidate for county commissioner, but was defeated by a 
small majority in a strong Democratic county.