OBIT: Jacob Goodenberger, 1916, formerly of Abbottstown, Adams County, PA

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SUDDEN DEATH

Of Jacob Goodenberger, Ex-Director of The Poor of Adams County.

Jacob Goodenberger, aged about 70 years old, was found dead in the barn at the 
home of his son, Lewis Goodenberger, Jackson township, Tuesday afternoon between 
4 and 5 o’clock, by his grandson, George Goodenberger, on his arrival home from 
school.  Death was due to heart trouble, it is believed.  His son and wife were 
in York.  Tuesday morning he had gone to the blacksmith shop of George 
Stambaugh, where he had a horse shod.  It is the opinion of members of the 
Goodenberger family that his death occurred shortly after 3 o’clock, while he 
was engaged in the barn securing the stock preparatory to milking.  He had just 
about completed those duties and had tied one of the two calves in the barn when 
he was stricken.  When his grandson returned home from school he went to the 
barn, after finding the other members of the family had not as yet returned from 
the county seat.

When he entered the stable he discovered the form of a man lying in a stall 
between the two calves.  A closer investigation revealed that it was the body of 
his grandfather.  He called on neighbors for aid and with their assistance had 
removed the body to the house before the arrival at home of the dead man’s son 
and wife.

It was only five weeks ago that Mr. Goodenberger lost his wife by death.  He 
came to the home of his son about three weeks ago from his former home near 
Abbottstown.

Mr. Goodenberger was a prominent figure in Adams County Democratic politics for 
many years.  In Berwick Township wherein he resided for a period of forty years, 
he held local office almost continuously, serving as Constable, Judge of 
Election and for a number of years School Director.  More recently he aspired 
for the office of Director of the Poor and suffered several defeats, but 
procured the nomination about six years ago, and was elected, serving a four 
year term, with a marked degree of success and general satisfaction to the 
people of the county.  He was defeated at the last primary for a renomination.

Mr. Goodenberger was a consistent member of the Lutheran church of Abbottstown 
and enjoyed the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends in the 
community in which he was best known.

The deceased is survived by three children:  Mrs. Tempest Bortner, of Hanover; 
Mrs. Luther Berkheimer, of  York, and Lewis Goodenberger, with whom he resided 
up to the time of his death.  No brothers or sisters survive.

Funeral from the residence of his son, Lewis, Saturday morning at 9:30 o’clock.  
Services in Christ Lutheran church, Abbottstown, by the pastor, Rev. F. C. 
Sternat.  Interment in the cemetery adjoining the church.

The Hanover Herald – Saturday, February 19, 1916