My Genealogy Hound

MATTHEW KLING, whose entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, is a native of the Keystone State, born on a farm in Perry county, Dec. 24, 1844, son of Moses Kling, also a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent.

Jacob Kling, his grandfather, was born in Lancaster, Pa., whence he moved to Perry county, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was an Old Line Whig, in his political views, but later became a Republican. His wife was a member of the Bear Family, and they reared a large family of children, of whom are still living, John; Henry, a retired farmer; and Jacob, of near Shippensburg.

Moses Kling was born in Lancaster, Pa., and moved with his parents to Perry county, where he afterward engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1894, at the age of eighty-eight. He married Julia Brinley, and became the father of eight boys and five girls, all of whom grew to maturity; Joseph, of Carlisle; Margaret, wife of John Shaffer, of Mount Union, Pa.; Jacob, of Cumberland county; Noah, of Nebraska; John, of Kansas; Henry, of Harrisburg, Pa.; David, of Middletown, Pa.; Matthew; Catherine, widow of Levi Failor, of Carlisle; Anna, who married George Koser, and lives in Ohio; Ada, wife of David Sanders, of Lancaster; Julia, who is married and lives in Ohio; and Zachariah, who died in Carlisle. Moses Kling was a Republican in politics and in 1855-56 he held the office of supervisor.

Matthew Kling received his education in the schools of Perry county, attending during the winter months until he was sixteen years old. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-five years old, when he married and settled on the farm in Southampton township, Cumberland county, known as the old John T. Smith farm. There are fifty-one acres in that tract, improved with a good house and the necessary outbuildings. Mr. Kling has been a farmer all his life, and has thoroughly mastered his calling. He is up-to-date and progressive, and his well-cultivated fields are the result of his systematic care and industry.

Matthew Kling was united in marriage with Miss Martha Swartz, daughter of Joseph and Susanna Swartz, born in Cumberland county, near Newburg. Eight children have blessed this union: Anna, deceased; William, a farmer; Joseph, a farmer; Bertie, wife of Kyner Myers; Lizzie, who married E. M. Farner; and Charlie H., Floyd R. and Nellie, all at home. Mr. Kling is a Republican, but in no sense is he a politician. He is universally respected, and has many friends among his neighbors who know him so well.