My Genealogy Hound

JACOB BARLEY, who for many years was one of the leading contractors and builders of North Middleton township, and is a man of considerable influence in his community, is a son of John G. Barley and grandson of Gotlieb Barley.

Gotlieb Barley was born in Germany, and in 1820 came to America, locating in York county, Pa., where he died. Upon settling in Pennsylvania he purchased land and became a very successful farmer. His children were: John G., Frederick, William, Christiana and Gotlieb, all deceased.

John G. Barley was born in Germany in 1808, and came to America with his father when he was twelve years of age. The voyage was made in a slow sailing vessel and took six months. After his arrival here he learned the milling trade in Lancaster county, with Benjamin Herr. He married Mary Ann Bott, daughter of Urich Bott, of Lancaster county, and after his marriage located in York county, where he remained a year, at the end of that time coming to Cumberland county and buying a farm in North Middleton township which comprised 100 acres. Later he purchased another tract of 100 acres, which adjoined his original purchase. His death occurred in 1883, and his wife died in 1872, and both are buried in North Middleton township. Their children were: John F. died in this township; Mary, widow of Michael Anthony, now residing in Carlisle; Jacob is mentioned below; Abraham died in Oklahoma; William died in Middlesex township; Barbara died in Middlesex township.

Jacob Barley was born in North Middleton township, Cumberland county, upon his father’s farm, in 1838, and in that locality received a somewhat limited education. At the same time he learned the carpenter’s trade, and when he went into business for himself he put up many of the most important buildings in Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin counties, and was very successful in his work.

In 1861 Mr. Barley married Sarah Ann Waggoner, daughter of Jacob A. Waggoner, of Cumberland county, and located in North Middleton township with his father-in-law, but after four years he came to his present home, buying a tract of eighty-one acres. All of the excellent buildings upon it, including his house, he put up himself, and the premises are kept in excellent condition. Mrs. Barley passed away in 1866, and was buried in the township. Two children were born of this marriage; (1) Jennie E. married Harry Kell Sugart, who was killed March 28, 1904, a heavy wagon passing over him, and their children are Maud B., Gertrude M., Ray J. C. and Helen V. (2) David E. died in North Middleton township when one and one-half years old.

In 1862 Mr. Barley enlisted in Company C, 138th P. V. I., and was located at Newbern, N. C., but after ten months was honorably discharged at Chambersburg, Pa., and returned home, with the record of a brave and gallant soldier.

In politics Mr. Barley is a Democrat, has been assessor, auditor and judge of election, and has always taken a very active part in township affairs. In religious matters he is a member of the Evangelical Church of North Middleton township, and he is a man who holds the esteem and confidence of all who know him. His daughter and her husband make his life very pleasant, and he is happy surrounded by his grandchildren, of whom he is justly proud.