My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT ALLEN LINE, a successful photographer at No. 18 West Main street, Carlisle, was born Jan. 20, 1850, in Dickinson township, a son of Emanuel Line, Jr., and Catherine Ann (Myers) Line, the latter a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Hileman) Myers.

Peter Myers came from Germany and settled in Rossville, York Co., Pa., and there spent the remainder of his life, engaged at cabinetmaking; he lived to an advanced age. He was a good citizen, a Christian man, and died full of years and the honor of a well-spent life. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Emanuel Line, Jr., was the son of Emanuel Line, Sr., who was born Dec. 5, 1781. He was regarded as a most worthy citizen, a kind and affectionate parent, an obliging and prudent neighbor, and, in his dealings with men, just and fair. He became a member of the church in early life, and ever remained a consistent and faithful Christian. He died in his seventieth year. Elizabeth Myers, born Jan. 12, 1786, was married to Emanuel Line March 20, 1806, and this union was blessed with three sons, Abraham M., William and Emanuel, Jr., and two daughters, Maria and Juliann.

Emanuel Line, Jr., was born in Dickinson township, on what is known as the Savannah farm, April 15, 1818, and spent his life there until the spring of 1868, when he came to Carlisle; he died in this town Oct. 20, 1871. During his active years he was a farmer. He obtained his education in the local schools. This most excellent man lived a good, honest life and set an example to his son and those who came after him. In politics he was a Democrat and revered the memory of Andrew Jackson. In 1845 he married Catherine Ann Myers, who was born in Rossville, York county, Pa., April 15, 1820, and died Aug. 13, 1869. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Carlisle. Three children were born of this union, namely: Elizabeth, who died young; Catherine, who died young; and Albert Allen, our subject. Mrs. Line was one of the good Samaritans in her community, always willing to assist in alleviating the sufferings of humanity, spending much of her time in the sickroom of her neighbors, with that helpfulness that brought many safely through the most critical periods of sickness. Her Christian benevolence entered into many lives, which were always gladdened by coming to the door of her home.

Albert Allen Line was educated in the district schools and Dickinson Commercial College, at Carlisle, and prepared for Dickinson College, but on account of poor health he gave up this project. However, he is a graduate of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, Vincent class, 1883. In 1869 he took up the study and practice of photography with Dr. C. L. Lochman, who was one of the leading photographers of that day, and has made it his life work, although he also superintends his farming and fruit growing on the old homestead. In his photographic work he includes a number of its many branches, but takes greatest delight in outdoor photography, seeking the beauties of nature, and loving to catch her choicest vistas and enchanting scenes in the midst of her solitude. In 1884, in company with Prof. Charles F. Himes, Ph. D., he assisted in establishing a Summer School of Amateur Photography at Mountain Lake Park, Md., and after two years he was called to assume sole charge, and has continued it ever since. Mr. Line has been connected with the Y. M. C. A. at Carlisle since 1868 and has served faithfully as secretary and president for a portion of the time, and he is also on the board of managers. In church work he is connected with the First Lutheran Church, and has been since 1869, and he has served for many years in the council of that body, acting as president for a number of years, as well as superintendent of the Sunday-school; he was assistant superintendent for years, and superintendent for a period of twenty-one years. Mr. Line was one of the organizers of the Cumberland Valley Sabbath School Assembly, serving as secretary of the organization for fifteen years. In 1885, when Hon. W. F. Sadler was elected President Judge of Cumberland county, Mr. Line was called to fill the unexpired term of Judge Sadler on the school board of Carlisle and was afterward elected, and re-elected, serving for a period of thirteen years; for a great part of the time he acted as financial secretary to the board. In 1878 Mr. Line was chosen as a member of the board of directors in the Farmers Bank of Carlisle, and served in that capacity for more than twenty-one years, when he resigned. He was also one of the organizers of the Cumberland County Temperance Alliance and served as secretary to this organization for a number of years.

On Oct. 12, 1876, Mr. Line was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Johnson, a daughter of Samuel A. Johnson, of Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Line was a consecrated Christian lady, always ready to assist in missions of mercy, caring for the needy, and living for the Christian welfare of humanity, and her beautiful Christian spirit drew many to her assistance in the work for the Master’s kingdom. At the age of twenty-three years, on Christmas Day, 1877, she passed away, deeply mourned by her family and large circle of friends.

Mr. Line is one of the progressive, public-spirited business men of Carlisle, whose time is not so occupied, however, that he cannot assist in good works, or show forth in his life the faith he supports so strenuously and liberally.