John D. Waltman

"JOHN D. WALTMAN, farmer, McSherrystown, was born June 21, 1836, in Conowago Township, Adams Co., Penn. The genealogy of the Waltmans dates back to Germany, whence the great-grandfather, Henry Waltman (a weaver by trade), came in an early day. He was a native of Switzerland or Germany, and when a student, visiting friends, was kidnapped by sailors and carried on board their vessel that sailed to different parts of the world, but finally reached Baltimore, Md., where he found an opportunity to effect his escape, and traveled by night till he came to Pennsylvania, which he chose for his future home. He settled near Pigeon Hills, York County, and there married a Miss Kehr and reared a family of children: Christian, John, Joseph and Salome. Of these, John, who was also a weaver the greater part of his life, died in McSherrystown (to which place he came about 100 years ago), aged seventy-eight years. He (John) married a Miss Hinkle, a native of Baughman’s Valley, Md., and she died here, aged eighty- seven. They were parents of the following children: Jesse, Henry, Lydia and four deceased. Of these children Jesse was born in McSherrystown, Penn., July 21, 1808, and died February 11, 1876. He was a weaver in early life; then became a successful farmer and owned three farms at the time of his death; he was a member of the Lutheran Church, upright, strong minded and well known for his good qualities of head and heart. Jesse Waltman was married to Helena Bowers, who bore him six children that attained maturity: Mrs. Louisa Sterner (deceased), John D., Edward, Jacob (residing in Texas), Mrs. Emma Melhorn and William. Our subject was educated here, has been a farmer all his life, and resides on 145 acres, a part of the old homestead, which he keeps in good order. He was married December 3, 1861, to Mary E. Schwartz, born August 15, 1839, in Mountpleasant Township, Adams Co., Penn., daughter of Levi and Eliza (Flickinger) Schwartz, members of the old Schwartz family of this county. To this union have been born nine children: Alice, Henry, Maggie, Samuel, William, Charles, Mary, Steward and John. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Waltman are members of the German Reformed Church. He has filled different township offices, such as auditor, assessor, etc. Politically he has ever been identified with the Republican party."