BIO: George O'Hara, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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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
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                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

                              CHAPTER LII.

                            MONROE TOWNSHIP.

512 	BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

  GEORGE O'HARA, farmer and teacher, P. O. Allen.  Stephen O'Hara, the 
grandfather of our subject, immigrated to this country and settled in 
Philadelphia, Penn., many years ago.  He married a Miss Fruger, of 
Lancaster County, Penn., and was the father of five children, the sons 
being James and Henry.  James O'Hara, son of the above and father of 
our subject, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 15, 1799.  He 
went with his mother to Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., after the 
death of his father, which occurred when James was very young.  He 
passed his early life on a farm and always followed that occupation.  
About the year 1830 he married Miss Anna M., daughter of George and 
Elizabeth Youndt, who were descended from the first settlers of 
Ephratah, Lancaster Co., Penn.  The original deeds to their lands bear 
the signature of one of the Penns.  They had six children:  Leah, 
George, Jessie, Henry, Charles and Anna.  Mrs. O'Hara is a member of 
the Lutheran Church, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty-
two.  Mr. O'Hara was a strong supporter of the Republican party, making 
political speeches on many occasions.  He was a well-read man, although 
he acquired his education in the common schools and by his own unaided 
efforts.  In 1857 he moved to Cumberland County, Penn., and purchased 
land.  He died at the age of seventy-six years.  He was generally 
respected as an honorable business man.  He brought up his family to 
believe and practice the principles of truth and justice.  George 
O'Hara, our subject, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1835; 
passed his early life on the farm of his father, and when about 
eighteen years of age began teaching school, and taught continuously 
for twenty-five winters, following farming during the summer.  His 
education was gained at White Hall Academy and Mount Pleasant College.  
In 1869 he married Miss Anna C. Jacobs, of Cumberland County, and their 
union was blessed with five children:  James, Mary, Horace, Stuart and 
Charles.  In 1880 he bought his present farm and residence.  Mr. and 
Mrs. O'Hara are members of the Lutheran Church.  Politically he is a 
Republican.  He is very much interested in the temperance question, 
took an active part in favor of local option, and now votes the 
Prohibition ticket.  Mr. O'Hara frequently made addresses in the 
temperance cause, which he firmly believes will ultimately prevail.