Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....May, Abraham M.    
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


ABRAHAM M. MAY, a well-known citizen of the village of 
Sulphur Springs, in Harrison township, Bedford County, 
served bravely as a private soldier in the Civil War, and 
has now the distinction of being Commander of Harrison Post, 
No. 231, G.A.R., which is located at Buffalo Mills.  Born 
November 7, 1824, in Harrison, Pa., he is a son of the late 
Daniel May and the grandson of a pioneer settler of Bedford 
County.
  Daniel May, who spent the larger portion of his life in 
Harrison, was a man of much force of character, and was 
highly respected for sterling qualities of heart and mind.  
He died on January 26, 1878.  His wife, whose maiden name 
was Rachel Miller, was born and bred in this township.  Both 
were valued members of the Christian church.  Of their 
children the following named are still living: John G., of 
Hendman, Pa.; Mary A., a resident of Bedford, Pa., widow of 
the late Michael Thomas, formerly of Juniata, Pa.; Sarah 
Belty, of Iowa; Catherine, wife of Conrad Stuby, of the 
State of Washington, Abraham M., the subject of this sketch; 
Hezekiah E., of Harrison, Pa.; and Susan, widow of Hugh 
Wertz, late of Harrison township.
  Abraham M. May received a good common-school education, 
and with the exception of six months that he spent in the 
city of Champaign, Ill, he has made his home in Harrison 
township.  On September 4, 1864, prompted by patriotic 
daring, he enlisted in Company H, Two Hundred and Eighth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, which as a part of General 
Hartranft's division was attached to the Army of the 
Potomac.  With his comrades he was on the field of action at 
the siege of Petersburg and in the battles of Fort Steadman 
and Hatcher's Run, also taking part in numerous other 
engagements of less importance.  Honorably discharged from 
the service in June, 1865, he returned to the scenes of his 
childhood.  At Sulphur Springs he subsequently opened a 
house of entertainment for summer guests, who have ever 
found this place a most enjoyable and healthful resort.  He 
proved a most genial and accommodating host, and for a 
quarter of a century the Mountain House, under his 
management, was well patronized by the public.
  Politically, he is identified with the Republican party as 
one of its warmest supporters.  He has served three years as 
Jury Commissioner for Bedford County and three years as 
School Director in Harrison township.  Fraternally, he 
belongs to the Bedford Lodge, F. & A.M., and for three years 
has filled his present position as Commander of Harrison 
Post, G.A.R.
  On April 10, 1854, Mr. May married Miss Sarah Robinson, 
daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Cunard) Robinson, late of 
Monroe township, Bedford County, Pa.  Mr. and Mrs. May have 
eight children, namely: Amanda, wife of Watson Diehl, of 
Harrison, Pa.; Harriet, wife of Mason Burkett, of Mann's 
Choice, Pa.; Albert, of Harrison township; Ellsworth, of 
Mann's Choice; Ruth C., wife of Samuel R. Miller, of 
Altoona, Pa.; Curtis G., of Mann's Choice; Mary, wife of 
William Reed, of Martinsburg, Pa.; and Frank G., of Mann's 
Choice, Pa.  Mr. and Mrs. May are both members of the 
Christian church, in which he has served as Deacon.


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa