My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL ELDER KITZMILLER, one of Southampton township’s most prominent citizens and a leading farmer of Cumberland county, died at his home on Walnut Bottom Road, two and one-half miles east of Shippensburg, on Saturday morning, March 1, 1902. Mr. Kitzmiller was in the sixty-sixth year of his age, having been born March 8, 1836, on his parents’ farm at the head of the springs, which was more recently known as the Dykemon farm, and which is now occupied by Charles Cressler.

The parents of Samuel Elder Kitzmiller were Jacob and Rebecca (Webber) Kitzmiller, natives of Cumberland county. Their surviving children are: John A. and Frank B., of Shippensburg; Craig, of Galion, Ohio; Mrs. Abner Willis, of Southampton township; Mrs. N. K. Mahon, of Fayetteville; Mrs. John Clippinger, of Shippensburg; Mrs. Philip Martin of Waynesboro; Mrs. D. B. Meredith and Mrs. Alice Fickes of Steelton; and Mrs. George Wallace, of Berkley, Virginia.

Mr. Kitzmiller was not only a good citizen in times of peace, but when his country called for help, in the Civil war. he was ready to respond, and as a member of Company A. 165th P. V. I., under Col. Buhler, he went to the front. After the war he returned to Southampton township, and resumed farming, becoming noted for the thoroughness with which he carried on his operations. He believed in making use of improved machinery and in adopting modern methods, but he was very practical and followed certain lines of farming, because he had found out for himself that they were the most profitable. The beautiful home he prepared for his family is a large stone mansion encircled with a beautiful shady lawn, the large bank barn and commodious, well-appointed buildings in the background, presenting a picture of thrift and substantiality.

On Jan. 11, 1876, Mr. Kitzmiller was united in marriage with Mary C. Fickes, the eldest surviving daughter of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Caruthers) Fickes. Three daughters were born to this union, namely: Mary Bell, a graduate of the Cumberland Valley State Normal School at Shippensburg, now the wife of C. E. Plaster, of Dubois, Pa.; and Carrie May and Jessie Hayes, both graduates of the Normal school, and successful teachers.

In politics Mr. Kitzmiller was a Democrat and he served at one time as auditor of his township. For many years he was a valued member of the Shippensburg Presbyterian Church, and whenever health permitted was found at its services. His widow and daughters also belong to that religious body. In every relation of life Mr. Kitzmiller was a most estimable man. He had strong convictions, but possessed a natural courtesy which kept him from all contentions. He was devoted to home and family and was beloved by those who knew him best and held in esteem by all with whom he came in contact. During the Civil war when the Rebel army invaded the Cumberland Valley Gen. Buhler with his staff took up headquarters in the home of Jacob Kitzmiller, one mile east of Shippensburg, in consequence of which the family were afforded protection from depredations.