BIOGRAPHY: Cornelius HARSHBERGER, Cambria County, PA 

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From Wiley, Samuel T., ed. Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria 
County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Union Publishing Co., 1896, p. 298-9
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CORNELIUS HARSHBERGER, a teacher by profession and a member of the grain and 
feed firm of J. M. Harshberger & Son, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is the eldest 
son of John M. and Catharine (Wertz) Harshberger, and was born on the old 
Harshberger homestead, in Adams township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 
1860. He is fourth in line of descent from Joseph Harshberger, who was of German 
extraction, and was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and in 1820 moved to 
a farm in Cambria county, where Moxham now stands (or the Seventeenth ward, 
Johnstown). He had a family of sixteen children, among whom was the son, Moses, 
who was born in 1804, and grew to manhood. Moses Harshberger was a farmer and 
after owning and cultivating the Abner Griffith farm near Walnut Grove, in 
Cambria county, removed to Adams township, where he died in October, 1885. This 
farm has been in the ownership of the family ever since. He was a respected 
citizen and a good business man who prospered in all his undertakings. He 
married a Miss Shryock, of Shanksville, in Somerset county, and they were the 
parents of two children: John M., the father of the subject of this sketch; and 
Mary, who became the wife of Christian Shetler. John M. Harshberger was born on 
the farm in Conemaugh township on August 13, 1835. He attended the public 
schools, taught two terms, and then engaged in farming, which he has followed 
with profitable results ever since. He still resides on the home farm, is 
influential and useful in his community and respected wherever he is known.
     Mr. Harshberger is a representative citizen and a first-class farmer and 
business man. He is a republican in politics and a member of the German Baptist 
church, in which he has always been an active worker.
     John M. Harshberger, on December 25, 1853, wedded Catherine Wertz, a 
daughter of Jacob Wertz; to their union have been born eleven children, six sons 
and five daughters: Cornelius, whose name heads this sketch; George M., a 
prominent business man of Johnstown; Mary Catharine, deceased at six years of 
age; Malinda Jane, married Jacob G. Custer; Milton, deceased in infancy; Minnie 
E., wedded Samuel W. Pearse, of Johnstown; Ira H., engaged in farming; Lizzie; 
Jacob W., a teacher; Edith May, at home; and David, who died in infancy.
     Cornelius Harshberger was reared on the farm, received his education in the 
public schools and several county normal schools, holds a State permanent 
certificate and has taught during the winters ever since he was twenty years of 
age. The summer season he has given to farming and business pursuits.   He owns 
a good farm in Adams township, and is a member of the grain and feed firm of J. 
M. Harshberger & Son, of Johnstown.
     On June 12, 1882, Mr. Harshberger was united in marriage with Jennie M. 
Burkhart, a daughter of Joseph Burkhart, of Adams township. Mr. and Mrs. 
Harshberger have four children: Lori B., Elda Olive, and Vida May and Waldo B., 
who are twins.
     In politics Mr. Harshberger is a republican, and while not desirous of the 
honors of public life, yet has served as township auditor and judge of election 
at his voting precinct. He is a member of the German Baptist church. He is a man 
of usefulness and a teacher of reputation; while as a citizen he commands 
respect.