BIO: Abram E. Garrett, Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/ ______________________________________________________________________ History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc. Illustrated. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886. http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm ______________________________________________________________________ PART II. HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTER LIX. UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. 567 UPPER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. ABRAM E. GARRETT, stock dealer, P. O. Mechanicsburg. On what was formerly known as the old Bullinger farm, but which has been in the possession of the Garrett family for sixty-five years, resides Abram E. Garrett, one of the most widely known men of the township. He was born on this farm in 1842. His grandfather, John Garrett, came with his family from Lancaster County, Penn., in 1820, and purchased quite a large tract of land. At his death the estate was divided among his children: Frederick, Jacob, John, Andrew, Ann and Susan, of whom Andrew and Ann are now living. Frederick Garrett, the father of our subject, inherited the homestead, and subsequently married Harriet, daughter of Abraham and Susan Lobaugh, of Adams County, Penn. They commenced housekeeping on the Reeser farm, but a few years later moved on the farm where a son now resides, and which was noted in an early day for its immense cherry orchard. The neighbors from adjoining villages and the city of Harrisburg came by scores to secure the luscious fruit. (This was before the farm came into the possession of the Garretts.) Frederick Garrett and his wife were the parents of eleven children: Anna, Catharine, William, Susan, Elizabeth, Harry, Abram E., Amos, Lucy, Margaret and Emma, of whom Abram E. and Lucy are the only ones living in the county. The death of Frederick Garrett occurred in 1873, and that of his widow in 1882. Our subject received a practical education in the schools of his district, and has been quite a noted man in the township and county since the commencement of his business life. At the age of nineteen years, August 23, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served three years, mostly in the Army of the Potomac. He was engaged in some of the most memorable battles of the war, beginning with the Seven Days' fight, in which the Union Army was driven back from Richmond to the James River; the battle of Kelly's farm in which 104 men of his regiment were killed or wounded in a four hours' skirmish; the Blackwater River, Petersburg, Malvern Hill and Reame Station, where nearly half the men were lost. Where the bullets were thickest there was found this brave soldier, who seemed to bear a charmed life. Once only did he feel a bullet, which just grazed his throat as he was taking the saddle from a horse killed by a shot aimed at his rider. He was honorably discharged August 23, 1864. In December, 1866, Mr. Garrett was married to Mary J. Karns, a daughter of Henry and Sarah Karns, of this county, and who was born and reared at Roxbury, her family being one of the old and prominent ones in that part of the county; her father served as county commissioner and in other official positions, and was a prominent local politician. Mr. and Mrs. Abram E. Garrett were parents of seven children, six now living: Harry G., C. Frederick, Iola E., Andrew K., Ruth L. and Eli M. The business life of our subject has been confined to farming and stock dealing, and for years he has been one of the principal shippers at this point. His political influence in the township has been felt for years, and many who have filled official positions owe their election to his able management. He has, since his return from the army, been connected with the affairs of his township in an official capacity, and no man has served with greater zeal. For twelve years he has been secretary of the school board, and has been a director in the schools for almost twenty years. He is a prosperous business man, a kind father and generous provider for his family, and one of the most popular men in the township.