BIO: Henry MEYER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _______________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _______________________________________________________________________ 140 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. HON. HENRY MEYER. The history or genealogy of a family, whose members are scattered over an area extending beyond the limits of the counties embraced in this work, must necessarily be fragmentary and incomplete. The further division and sub-division of the material by the respective county lines, as contemplated, and by township lines, increases the difficulties in the way of a satisfactory presentation. This task has, however, fallen to the capable hands of Hon. Henry Meyer, a prominent and highly respected resident of Miles Township, Centre County, and as he has just completed, after several years of tedious labor, the manuscript of a second edition of his "Genealogy of the Meyer Family," he is peculiarly qualified to furnish the desired information. At the request of the publishers he has prepared the following scholarly and accurate sketch. The Meyers are a numerous family, and are largely represented in most of the States westward from Pennsylvania to California. There are many more members of this tribe beyond the limits of the counties embraced in this work-a subject, which, if treated fully, would be quite extensive; a simple record of names alone would fill many times the space allotted for this sketch, there being in number more than five thousand, and we will therefore state merely a few facts in reference to the early Meyer settlement in this country, and trace the lineage of such descendants of the Meyer who immigrated from the old country, as were citizens at one time or other of the counties of Centre, Clinton, Union and Snyder, Penn., thus forming in a manner a connecting link between the many individual sketches of those members of the family. A brief reference to the name itself it is thought would be proper since it is written in so many different ways. It is German, and like so many other family names of that and other languages, it has undergone changes in its translation into English and its transmission from generation to generation. It is spelled in at least eleven different ways, viz.: Meyer, Mayer, Myer, Meyers, Myers, Moyer, Moyers, Mire, Meier, Meire, and Maire. In German it is written 'Meyer' which anglicized becomes Meyer. The records show that a large number of Meyer immigrants came from the old country from 1725 to 1776, and no doubt quite a number before that period and since. It is not assumed that they were all of kin. In all parts of Holland and Germany the name is as frequently met with as the name Smith in this country. Henry Meyer, the ancestor of the branch to which this article is devoted, came from the Palatinate, Prussia, and settled permanently at the head or spring of a small stream which he then named "Muhlbach," situated in the southeastern part of the present limits of Lebanon County, Penn. He was accompanied by his wife, and the couple then had one or two children. Their earthly possessions, consisting of some clothing, several pewter-plates, an axe, a German hymnbook and Bible, and several other indispensable articles, they carried in bundles, and began housekeeping under the friendly protection afforded by COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 141 the spreading branches of a large white oak tree close to the spring just mentioned. The family arrived at the place at about four o'clock in the afternoon of a certain day in the month of August. The woman sat on the ground and wept: the father took his axe and began to clear the ground. The country then was a vast wilderness in which wild animals and Indians were abundant. The family had neighbors, but they were few and far between, and all equally poor. It is said two brothers of Mr. Meyer accompanied him to this country, one of whom also settled in Pennsylvania, and the other moved to South Carolina. The date of the arrival of the Meyer immigrants in the new country is only approximately known, but it appears to have been about the year 1719. Henry Meyer, who emigrated from Germany, had nine children that grew to maturity and were married, viz.: John died December 11, 1786, aged sixty-seven years, and lies buried in the Muhlbach Cemetery, Lebanon County, Penn. He was married, and his descendants, of whom there are many, reside principally in the eastern section of this State. No further reference to his family will be made in this sketch. HENRY, born in May 1730, died November 17, 1812; married Catherine Ruth, born May 30, 1837, died May 3, 1801, and both are buried in Muhlbach Cemetery. The descendants of this couple reside in the eastern part of this State principally, and some in the Western States. JACOB, born at Muhlbach, Heidelberg Township, Lebanon Co. (then Lancaster County), Penn., in 1732; moved in 1768 to a locality about half a mile west of the present site of Freeburg, Snyder Co., Penn., then called Straubstown; died when aged about seventy-five years, and lies buried in the old graveyard near Freeburg. He married Susan Ream. The descendants of this couple are a multitude. A number of them are found in Centre and Clinton Counties of this State, but the majority of them are settled in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other Western States. MICHAEL, who lies buried at Schaefferstown, Penn., died about the year 1794. He was twice married; his second wife was Catharine Becker, by whom he had two children, daughters. His descendants are in the eastern part of Pennsylvania and in Illinois. CHRISTOPHER, the youngest son, was born in Muhlbach, and died near Campbelltown, Penn., August 2, 1801, aged sixty-seven years. He married Anna Maria, daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, the founder of Schaefferstown, Penn. She was born February 19, 1744; died January 1, 1823, and both are buried in the Reformed Cemetery at Campbelltown, Penn. He moved to the village last named when still single, and became the owner of a large tract of land, part of which is still owned by his descendants. The couple had nine children, most of whom moved into Snyder and Centre Counties, and will be named at the proper places in this sketch. Of the four daughters of the Meyer who came from Germany and settled at Muhlbach but little is known. One was married to Alexander Schaeffer, one to Jacob Tillman, one to John Christopher Aahlschmidt, and one to Loudermilk. Tradition says one or two moved to South Carolina. The rest of this sketch will be devoted to the descendants of the two sons, Jacob and Christopher, above named, many of whom are residing in Centre, Clinton and Snyder Counties, this State. In order to avoid confusion in representing successive generations it is necessary to employ some system to distinguish them; there are various schemes of the kind made use of by genealogists, and for this sketch the following is adopted: The children of a family are numbered, beginning with the eldest, by Roman or Arabic numerals, the different styles or forms of which will denote different successive generations. The children of Jacob and Christopher (sons of the Meyer who came from Germany) will be designated by Roman numerals, thus: I, II, etc.; their grandchildren, by Roman numerals with parentheses, thus: (I), (II), etc.; their great-grandchildren, by Arabic numerals, thus: 1, 2, etc.; next generation by Arabic numerals within parentheses, thus: (I), (2), etc. Henry (Henry, Henry, Jacob, Henry), reads as follows: Henry Meyer, son of Henry Meyer, son of Henry Meyer, son of Jacob Meyer, son of Henry Meyer (who came from Germany). JACOB MEYER was the third son of Henry Meyer, who came from Germany, and as already stated he moved from Muhlbach to Straubstown (now Freeburg), Penn., about the year 1768, purchasing a large tract of land near that town; he devoted his time to farming and to keeping a tavern. He and his wife Susan had eight children, six sons and two daughters. I. Catharine (Jacob, Henry) was married to John Meyer, not of kin. The couple were among the first settlers of Brush Valley (1792) near what is now Wolfs Store, in Miles township, Centre Co., Penn., but moved to Kentucky about the year 1797. Their descendants live in the South and West. II. Barbara (Jacob, Henry) was married to Michael Motz. The couple lived on a farm at 142. COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. East End, Penn's Valley, in Haines Township, and both are buried at St. Paul's Church, near their old homestead. Left issue. III. Philip (Jacob, Henry), born at Muhlbach, moved his family from Straubstown to a farm about a mile east of Wolfs Store. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His wife, Anna Margaret, was a daughter of Andrew Morr, one of the first settlers in the neighborhood of Freeburg (then Straubstown), Penn. Philip died April 27, 1831, aged seventy-five years, five months, thirteen days; his wife, born August 20. 1759, died March 12, 1829; buried side by side in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn.; they had eleven children - seven sons and four daughters. Their later descendants are legion, and are nearly all residents of Ohio. IV. John Jacob (Jacob, Henry), born at Muhlbach, died in November, 1815; lies buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, about two miles west of Jersey Shore, within a short distance of his homestead farm. He was married to Julia, daughter of Andrew Morr, named above. Their descendants are found principally in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. V. John George (Jacob, Henry) owned his father's homestead farm near Freeburg, Penn.; died about the year 1810; lies buried in the old cemetery near Freeburg; was twice married, first to Elizabeth, daughter of John Buchtel; second to Mary Brosius. His ten children were widely scattered in later years. VI. Henry (Jacob, Henry), born near Muhlbach, October 15, 1764, died May 17, 1820; was twice married, first to Mary, daughter of Jacob Steese, of Penn Township, now part of Snyder county, Penn.; second, to Margaret, daughter of Hon. Adam Harper, of Penn's Valley, who was formerly one of the associate judges of Centre County. Husband and both wives lie buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg. Mr. Meyer moved into Brush Valley (nearly all of which is included within the limits of Miles township), Centre County, on a farm near Wolfs Store in 1797 or 1798, and devoted much of his time to farming from that time until his decease, though his trade was that of a millwright. He built many gristmills and sawmills in central Pennsylvania, now within the limits of Union, Snyder, Mifflin, Juniata, Centre and Lycoming Counties. He served as justice of the peace for many years; he was commissioned, February 28, 1794, major of the First Battalion Third Northumberland Brigade; January 4, 1802, lieutenant-colonel of 131st Regiment, Militia, First Brigade, Tenth Division, counties of Mifflin, Huntingdon and Centre. When but sixteen years old he belonged to some organization recruited for protection against the Indians. He was widely known, and had a host of friends. There were eleven children, ten of whom reached maturity - from the first wife, three; from the second, seven. Since all of these became residents of either Centre or Clinton County, as well as most of their descendants, a brief record of this family will here be made: (I) Infant. (II) Henry (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born near Straubstown (Freeburg), Penn., September 2, 1795, died at his home, three miles east of Rebersburg, December 28, 1881; lies buried in the Union Cemetery in the town just named; married to Hannah, daughter of Nicholas Bierly; she was born May 26, 1800; died December 16, 1893; lies buried in the Evangelical Cemetery, same town. He was but two or three years old when his father moved into Brush Valley, and remained a citizen of the place all his lifetime, engaging in business as a millwright and farmer. Issue nine: 1. Mary, born January 30, 1824. married (first) Rev. George Weirich, and (second) John F. Price, now also deceased. Resides in Green Township, Clinton County, Penn. 2. Matilda, born January 9, 1826; died February 4, 1853; buried at St. Paul Church, Penn's Valley; was married to S. G. Mingle. 3. David, born September 15, 1827; married to Fyetta, daughter of Anthony Bierly; owns his father's homestead farm near Wolfs Store, Brush Valley. 4. Catharine, born February 8, 1829; married to Samuel G. Mingle; husband now deceased; family resides in Lock Haven, Penn. 5. Daniel, born February 24, 1831, married Matilda, daughter of Peter Smull; reside at Dakota, Ill. 6. Samuel B., born February 12, 1833, married to Maggie E. Moore; he is a millwright by trade; resides near Milesburg, Centre County. 7. Judith, born March 20, 1835, married to Joseph C. Bierly; resides on a farm near Centre Mills in Miles Township, Centre County. 8. Henry (subject of this sketch). 9. Selena, born October 28, 1844, died June 27, 1845. Henry Meyer, our subject, was born near Rebersburg, Penn., December 8, 1840, and married Martha J., daughter of Thomas J. Taylor, and a native of Rock Forge, Benner Township, Centre County, born April 25, 1850. They have resided at Rebersburg (Miles township), Penn., from 1872 until now (1897). Mr. Meyer was brought up on his father's farm, doing such work as usually falls to the lot of farmer boys, and during the winter season attended, two or three months in a term the common schools of the neighborhood. He left home in the spring of 1860 to learn the millwright trade with John COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 143 Todd, who then resided at Potters Mills, Penn., and his spare moments were devoted to reading, and the study of mathematics and other branches which had a bearing on mechanical pursuits. He enlisted at Rebersburg, Penn., August 19, 1862, with almost a hundred young men of the same place (Brush Valley), in the army for "three years or during the war." Became, a few days after enlistment, a member of Company A, 148th Regiment, P.V.I., at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Penn., the regiment being placed under the command of Gen. (then Col.) James A. Beaver, and joined afterward with the Second Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He went through the usual disciplinary stages of the volunteer soldier, and had his first practical experience in warfare in the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May, 1863; then followed Gettysburg, Auburn Mills, Mine Run, the Wilderness, and Laurel Hill, besides several skirmishes of less importance. He was slightly hurt at Chancellorsville, but more seriously at Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864, by a minnie ball passing through the left hand near the wrist, necessitating amputation of the left hand, which operation was performed at Campbell Hospital, Washington, D.C., May 17, 1864. On receiving his discharge, September 12, 1864, he returned home, entered the Rebersburg Select School for a few weeks, taught school the winter following, and continued teaching a number of terms. In 1866 he attended the Union Seminary, New Berlin, Penn., for a term, and in the fall of 1868, entered the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Penn., graduating therefrom with first honors of the class in the spring following. He then continued his work as an educator, and assisted Prof. Reuben M. Magee, county superintendent of common schools of Centre County, in the Centre County Normal School a number of terms. In May, 1875, he was elected county superintendent of common schools of Centre County, for a term of three years, and was reelected without opposition in May, 1878; was elected in the fall of 1882 a member of the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, and is at present serving a second term as a justice of the peace, having been elected the first time February 18, 1890. The foregoing sketch being only a brief record of the principal events in the biography of Mr. Meyer, it is deemed desirable in justice to himself that a few facts be mentioned which will give a better view of his every-day life, character and disposition. His progress as a pupil in the district school was seriously hampered from the very beginning until a youth of sixteen by the difficulties encountered by all pupils whose mother tongue is different from the language of the books which they study in school. His parents were Pennsylvania- German; all his neighbors then spoke the dialect of those people; the sermons then were nearly all German, as were also many of the periodicals, and much of the correspondence between people was in that language. Under such circumstances the progress of pupils was slow and wearisome; they listlessly repeated the words of their reading lessons, committed definitions in grammar and geography, but the exercises were as unintelligible to them as so much Hebrew would have been. Gradually Mr. Meyer overcame these obstacles, the printed page began to disclose ideas, and a taste for reading was rapidly acquired. He subscribed for English periodicals, bought and borrowed histories, biographies, books of travel and explorations, and eagerly read, during the few spare moments which work on the farm allowed, everything that came within his reach. His books were his cherished friends. He has ever been loyal to the Pennsylvania-German race, and has little respect for those shallow-pated dudes who would ignore their ancestry. He is aware that before many years the dialect which these people brought from the old country will be superseded by the English language, but the noble qualities which they brought with them, and which make for the moral and material improvement of a community and the stability of a State, are still the heritage of their descendants. Of late years he has taken a special interest in the early history and traditions of these people who were the early settlers of his native Valley, and has prepared a historical sketch of the same, with biographical sketches of almost a hundred of the old settlers. He has been prominently connected with nearly all enterprises of his time which had for their object the improvement of his town and neighborhood. He has ever taken a prominent part in the work of his Church and Sunday-school. While officially connected with the common schools either as teacher or county superintendent, he labored faithfully in the discharge of his duties, and his labors were crowned in these positions with a commendable degree of success. Politically he is a Democrat, but of quite liberal views. In his dealings he has ever been strictly honest in his intercourse with those around him, courteous and obliging; to the poor he has been charitable beyond his means. He is unostentatious and reserved in his manner, and despises shams and the blusterer. Physically he is six feet tall, but not heavy set; blue eyes; temperate in habits. Mrs. Meyer, as stated above, is a daughter of 144 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Thomas J. Taylor, of Unionville, Centre Co., Penn. Her great- grandfather, Thomas Taylor, was a native of Chester County, Penn., or at least resided in that section in his younger days. He was married to Sarah Bebberly, whose parents resided on the ground fought over by the British and the American troops during the battle of the Brandywine, September 11, 1777. This young lady (his future wife) was then not quite sixteen years old, and was an eye-witness of the battle. She used to relate many stirring incidents of the fierce contest, and among other facts stated that as she and others roamed over the battlefield they observed that the waters of the Brandywine were dyed red from the blood of men and horses killed along its banks. After their marriage the couple moved, in 1800, to Halfmoon Valley, Centre Co., Penn., where they settled permanently and raised a numerous family. The old lady died in 1849, aged eighty-seven years, nine months, twenty-five days. Her husband had preceded her to the grave many years. Among their children was a son, George, born in Chester County, November 20, 1798; died at Unionville, Centre County, September 6, 1887. For many years he kept the tollgate at the foot of Nittany Mountain on the pike leading from Lewistown to Bellefonte. Later he became proprietor of a hotel at Unionville, just named. He was married to Mary Kyser Dunlap, daughter of Daniel Dunlap; she was born in Lancaster county, December 12, 1796; died at Unionville, Centre County, July 21, 1875; both lie buried in the Friends Cemetery near Unionville. The couple had only two children-Curtin and Thomas J. The latter (the father of Mrs. Meyer) was born at Bellefonte, Penn., August 2, 1822; he was married to Sarah, daughter of Jacob Homan, of Penn's Valley, Centre county; she was born March 19, 1818, died February 22, 1859, and lies buried in the old cemetery at Milesburg, Centre Co., Penn. Mrs. Meyer while still single taught in the public schools of Centre County, a number of terms, and was quite successful as a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have five children living, whose names with dates of birth are as follows: (I) Hannah Jane, January 11, 1872. (2) Henry T., October 3, 1882. (3) Mary M., August 14, 1885. (4) Sarah E., September 1, 1887. (5) Robert T., August 14, 1889. (III). Jacob (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born near Straubstown (now Freeburg), Penn., April 30, 1797, died near his father's old homestead August 19, 1873, and lies buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn. He was never married. (IV). Benjamin (Henry, Jacob, Henry), youngest son of first wife, was born in Brush Valley, died in April, 1824, no definite dates found; he was married to Mary B., daughter of Melchoir Poorman. Lies buried in the Union Cemetery at Rebersburg, Penn. His widow married Benjamin Beck, and is now also deceased. They had one child, Mary, who moved to Illinois. (V). William (Henry, Jacob, Henry) was the eldest son of second wife, and was born in Brush Valley, July 30, 1804; died March 15, 1824, and lies buried in the Union Cemetery at Rebersburg, Penn.; was not married. (VI). John (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born in Brush Valley, June 30, 1806, died at his home near Wolfs Store, Penn., March 14, 1892, and lies buried near his father and brothers Benjamin and William in Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn. He was twice married, first to Mary Catharine, daughter of Daniel Poorman, a near neighbor of the Meyer family; second to Susan Confer. He was a cabinet-maker and undertaker by trade, and conducted his business at or near his father's old homestead all his life. He never enjoyed any educational privileges beyond those afforded by the country subscription schools of that period, and these even could not be attended regularly by pupils because the constant demand for assistance on the farms kept children out of school; yet by assiduous reading his mind was well stored with useful knowledge on many subjects. He was a stiff Democrat, and used to take great interest in politics in his younger days, but was never an office-seeker himself. He was quite enthusiastic in military matters, and held various grades in the service, at different periods, the last and highest being that of major. With his first wife he had seven children, with his second, one child: I. Sarah, born February 18, 1840, married Daniel S. Miller; resides at Kantz, Snyder County, Penn. 2. Abigail, born April 17, 1841, married Daniel T. Harter; resides at the old homestead, Brush Valley, near Wolfs Store, Penn. 3. Thomas P., born August 29, 1842, married Lucetta, daughter of John and Priscilla Bierly. He is a dentist by profession, and resides in Lock Haven, Clinton County, Penn. 4. Oliver P., born November 17, 1845, died June 23, 1858. 6.* Edward H, born July 3, 1847, married Maggie Richards. He went west when quite a young man, and makes his residence in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; an extended sketch of him would therefore be contrary to the scope of this work. 7. Margaret J., born April 23, 1849, died August 23, same year. 8. Ellen, born May 25, 1855 *Narrative skips from 4. to 6. 145 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. married F. H. Custard, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (VII). Reuben (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born November 15, 1808, died January 8, 1891, and is buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn. He owned part of his father's farm. His wife was Mary, daughter of George and Sallie Corman, and they had the following children: I. William C., born June 17, 1844; single. Enlisted August, 1862, at Rebersburg, Penn., became a member of Company A, 148th Regiment, P.V.I., which organization became subsequently a part of the Second Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was killed in an engagement at Deep Bottom, Va., August 14, 1864 by a shell which passed through his breast. He was a brave soldier. 2. Joanna, born June 21, 1847, married J. B. Kreamer; Centre Hall, Penn. 3. Jerome A., born February 18, 1849 married Clara J., daughter of John Wolf. He owns his father's old homestead, and follows the occupation of farming. 4. Henry Amazon, born May 29, 1851, married Mary Theressa Snook; lives at Booneville, Clinton County, Penn. 5. G. Calvin, born January 12, 1853, married Lillie Mason; he lives in Pueblo, Colo. 6. Daniel T., born April 18, 1858, married Lizzie E. Snyder; lives at Renovo, Penn. 7. Sarah, born December 29, 1862, married Dr. J. W. Bright; lives at Rebersburg. Pennsylvania. (VIII). Judith (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born February 27, 1811 married Philip Walker; she resides at Clintondale, Clinton County, Penn.; husband deceased. (IX). Susan (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born August 15, 1813; died November 23, 1883; married Griffin Rote, also deceased, and both lie buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Salona, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania. (X). Jonathan (Henry, Jacob, Henry), physician, born in Miles Township, Centre County, June 14, 1816 married Elizabeth, daughter of Melchoir Poorman. Dr. Meyer established himself at Loganton, Clinton Co., Penn., where for many years he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He died September 15, 1880, and lies buried at Loganton. (XI). Abigail (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born March 10, 1819, died December 5, 1849; lies buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn. She was not married. VII. Michael (Jacob, Henry), seventh child, was born near Muhlbach, March 20, 1765; died at Uniontown, Ohio, August 5, 1843; was married to Agnes, daughter of John Buchtel. The family moved from Straubstown (Freeburg) to Brush Valley, on a small farm near Rebersburg, in 1805; thence to Stark County, Ohio, in 1814. Most of his descendants are living in Summit and Stark Counties, Ohio, and none remain in Centre (now Snyder county), this State. VIII. Christopher (Jacob, Henry) was the youngest son of Jacob Meyer, and was born probably after the family moved from Muhlbach to Straubstown (Freeburg). He died when aged about twenty years, and lies buried at Freeburg, Penn. No date could be found; he was not married. This Christopher must not be confounded with the one mentioned below, of whom he was a nephew. It is almost impossible to prevent confusion when the same name belonging to persons of different families occurs so frequently. CHRISTOPHER MEYER, the youngest son of the Meyer who came from Germany and settled at Muhlbach, was born at his father's old homestead near the post village just named, located in the southeastern part of Lebanon County, but then belonging to Lancaster County. While still single, he migrated to the neighborhood of Campbellstown, same county, where he and his brother Michael purchased a large tract of land, about the year 1769. He later became sole owner of this tract, cleared it, with the aid of his sons, and lived there until his death, which occurred August 2, 1801, when he was aged sixty-seven years. He was joined in matrimony with Anna Maria, daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, the founder of Schaefferstown. Several of these facts are stated at the beginning of this sketch, and are repeated here simply to designate clearly the position of Christopher, in the relationship. His children, of whom there were nine, nearly all became settlers of Centre County, and of the section which is now Snyder County. They left such a numerous train of descendants in the counties named that the briefest record possible would far exceed the limits assigned for this sketch. I. Catharine (Christopher, Henry) married Philip Fishburn, Penn.; no dates. II. Henry (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., in 1767, died April 19, 1544; married Elizabeth Hurst; family moved from Campbelltown into Centre County, near Boalsburg, in 1823. Six children - four sons and two daughters: (I) Philip (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born August 24, 1800, married Rachel, daughter of William Early, Esq.; lived on a farm near Boalsburg, Penn.; died November 26, 1863. (II) Anna Mary (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, February 11, 1799, died December 25, 1880; married John Keller; lived at Boalsburg, Penn. (III) Jacob (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born February 2, 1802, died on the 30th day of September, 1882; 146 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lived at Linden Hall, Penn.; lies buried at Boalsburg; was not married. (IV) Catharine (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born January 16, 1804, died June 25, 1878; married to Daniel Durst; Centre Hall, Penn. (V) Henry (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born September 30, 1810, died October 5, 1888; married Catharine Hoffer; both dead and are buried at Boalsburg. They lived on a farm near the village, and reared a family of eight children, one of whom, Prof. Philip H. Meyer, was one of the candidates nominated in the fall of 1896 on the Democratic ticket for county commissioner of Centre county. (VI) Joseph (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born June 12, 1818, died October 10, 1868; married Beckie, daughter of George and Sallie Corman, of Miles Township, Centre County; no issue. III. John (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., October 26, 1769, died at his home near Freeburg, Penn., July 17, 1842; married Esther Burkholder, and moved to Straubstown (now Freeburg), Penn., in 1801. On account of his giant stature, he was familiarly known as "big John Meyer." His descendants are quite numerous; most of them still reside in Snyder County, and several in Centre County. IV. Michael (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., August 2, 1771, died at his home at Spring Bank, Brush Valley, Centre Co., Penn., April 1, 1842, and lies buried at Rebersburg; was married to Elizabeth Derstine, who was buried at Boalsburg. The family moved into the Valley in the spring of 1834; Mr. Meyer was a giant in stature and strength, and was a farmer by occupation. There were eight children - five sons and three daughters: (I). Henry (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., November 14, 1796, died January 3, 1873; married Eleanor, daughter of Henry Meyer, and granddaughter of John Meyer, who was married to Catharine Schaeffer, of Schaefferstown. The couple were second cousins. They remained in Lebanon County, and were farmers by occupation. (II). Anna Mary (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., May 5, 1802, died January 28, 1882; buried at Shiloh Church, near Bellefonte, Centre County; was married to Jacob Fishburn, a farmer, and lived near Bellefonte. (III). Michael (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., February 10, 1804; died June 24, 1875; buried at Hummelstown, Penn; married Sarah Fox. He remained near the old homestead all his life. (IV). George (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., March 1, 1806, died at his home near State College, Centre County, February 15, 1889, married Anna Fox, and left a number of descendants. He was a miller by trade, and also followed farming in his later years. (V). Elizabeth (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born December 26, 1807, died July 26, 1893; married Felix Burkholder. This family lived near Centre Hill, Centre County. (VI). Samuel (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born January 9, 1810, died at his home near Hiawatha, Kans., December 28, 1894; married Elizabeth Behler and left many descendants. (VII). Catharine (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born May 13, 1816, died February 11, 1846; married to Daniel Dubbs; lived at Rebersburg, Penn.; both are buried in Union Cemetery of that place; no issue. (VIII). Solomon (Michael, Christopher, Henry), born February 26, 1819, died in Potter Township, Penn's Valley, July 19, 1872; married twice, first to Margaret Spicker, second to Emeline M. Embich. He was a school teacher and a noted instructor of vocal music. Not many of his descendants remain in Centre County. V. Jacob (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., March 25, 1774, died September 25, 1853; married Anna Sheller, who was born December 25, 1775; died March 25, 1850, and both were buried in the old Heckman Cemetery, near Penn Hall, Centre County. The family moved from Lebanon County, in March, 1826, upon a farm near the village just named. There were eight children - three sons and five daughters: (I). Elizabeth (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., February 26, 1801; died at Centre Hall, Penn., in 1868, married to Henry Whitmer; they left issue, and Mrs. William Wolf, Centre Hall, is one of the daughters. (II). Jacob (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., August 5, 1802, died April 14, 1867; buried at Penn Hall, Penn.; single. (III). Nancy (Jacob, Christopher. Henry), born near Campbelltown. Penn., September 14, 1804, died September 23, 1886; lies buried near Cedar Springs, Clinton County, Penn.; married Samuel Kryder. (IV). Catharine (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born January 1, 1806; died at her home near Penn Hall, Penn., March 3, 1894; single. (V). Mary (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born December 7, 1807; married Jacob Fisher, of Illinois. (VI). Susan (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 147 born November 30, 1808, died August 13, 1873, at her home near Penn Hall, Penn.; single. (VII). Christopher (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born in October, 1812, died June 2, 1873, married Mary Ann Glass; owned and cultivated a farm near Penn Hall, Penn.; no issue. (VIII). John (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), born September 14, 1814, married Eleanor Smith; live on a farm near Penn Hall, Penn.; issue two sons: (I) Jacob S., born April 13, 1854, married Susan C. Bitner, and lives on a farm near Penn Hall, Penn.; they have four children as follows - John F., born March 11, 1875, is a teacher and a graduate from Franklin and Marshall College. [A more extended sketch will be found among those of Penn Township.] Harry, born May 17, 1877; Eleanor Blanche, born September 26, 1879; Catharine S., born January 22, 1890. (2) John F., born December 12, 1856, died December 16, 1863. VI. Christopher (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., January 21, 1776, died at Freeburg, Penn., June 11, 1840. He married Betty Howerter, and settled at Freeburg (then Straubstown), in the year 1800. There were ten children, nearly all of whom settled in Freeburg and vicinity. They and their descendants have been in the past, and are still in the present, prominent citizens of that locality, and, no doubt, will be properly represented in that part of this work allotted to Snyder County. VII. Christina (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., married Samuel Carper, and moved to Bedford county, this State. VIII. George (Christopher, Henry), the youngest son, was born near Campelltown, Penn., March 25, 1782. He came into Penn's Valley in 1827, locating on Pine creek, south of Aaronsburg, where he purchased a farm and a mill-site on which a gristmill was erected. He was married to Catharine, daughter of his first cousin, John Jacob Meyer, of Jersey Shore. He died January 1, 1854, and his wife, who was born December 2, 1788, died March 13, 1858. Both are buried in the Reformed Cemetery at Aaronsburg, Penn. There were seven children - five sons and two daughters: (I). George (George Christopher, Henry), born January 13, 1806, near Campbelltown, Penn.; married Lydia Harter. He was a miller by trade, and resided in Penn's Valley. Left issue. (II). John (George, Christopher, Henry), born December 30, 1806, died at his home at Aaronsburg. Penn., January 28, 1878; lies buried in the Reformed Cemetery there. He married Mary Klose, who was born April 23, 1810; died at their home, which was then on a farm near Rebersburg, Penn., May 26, 1865, and was interred in the Union Cemetery of the town last mentioned. He was a miller by trade, but devoted his later years to farming. There were seven children, of whom but one, Joseph K., is now a resident of Miles Township, Centre County, and his sketch is inserted. (III). Catharine (George, Christopher, Henry), born January 22, 1808, died October 3, 1872; married Andrew Harter, Penn's Valley. They lived a short distance west of the present village of Coburn, Penn's Valley; left issue. (IV). Henry (George, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., July 27, 1809, died south of Aaronsburg. Penn., at his home, April 15, 1877. He married Elizabeth Stover, and had two children, of which, one is still living, Mrs. Harriet Ard. (V). Mary (George, Christopher, Henry), born January 20, 1814, married Andrew Stover. They reside in the eastern part of Penn's Valley, and have a number of children. (VI). Philip (George, Christopher, Henry), born March 24, 1819, died June 25, 1876; married (first) Magdalena Stover, and (second) Mary Stover, who is still living. This family resided on Pine creek, south of Aaronsburg, Penn.; there were thirteen children. (VII). Jacob G. (George, Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., October 16, 1824. was twice married. His first wife was Henrietta C. Furst, and after her decease he wedded Lydia A. Dutweiler, nee Strohm. The family resides at Aaronsburg. Penn., in Haines Township; his sons, William T. and J. Calvin, reside in Bellefonte. Jacob G. Meyer died suddenly November 6, 1897. IX. Mary (Christopher, Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., died in Dauphin County, Penn., was married to John A. Carper. The writer failed to secure any definite information in reference to this family. There were five children, one of whom, the late John Carper, of Linden Hall, Centre County, Penn., was very well known in the county.