My Genealogy Hound

PHILIP BRECHBILL, one of the representative citizens of Boiling Springs, was born in that village Dec. 19, 1867, son of Henry E. and Martha J. (Brandt) Brechbill.

Henry E. Brechbill was born April 30, 1836, and died Nov. 1, 1889. He was the son of Philip and Clarissa (Gitt) Brechbill, and he was born, reared and spent his life in Boiling Springs with the exception of a few years when as a young man he was in Baltimore and Virginia. He farmed and operated the old Brechbill flouring mill for many years, and then retired to the old homestead at Boiling Springs, on the corner of Front and First streets where his son Philip now resides. This house is the second built in the village, and was erected by Frederick Brechbill, the great-grandfather of our subject. In this old home, the grandfather, the father and our subject were born. After his retirement, Henry E. Brechbill superintended the conduct of his farms, which lie adjoining the village, which are now the property of his son. The property is very valuable and consists of ninety acres of fine farming land. Henry E. Brechbill was one of the most ardent supporters of the Lutheran Church of Boiling Springs. He was ever found ready to give of his time and money to help the needy, and to advance the best interests of the community and the church. For years he was one of the honored officials of the Lutheran Church, and his loss was deeply mourned by all who knew him.

On May 22, 1866, Henry E. Brechbill married Miss Martha J. Brandt, who was born Aug. 3, 1842, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Brandt, of Monroe township. Two children were born to this marriage: Philip; and Mary E., born Aug. 16, 1869, who was graduated from the seminary at Hagerstown, Md., a most accomplished and lovely young lady, and died Aug. 7, 1890.

Philip Brechbill was educated in the public schools of his village, as well as the select schools, and assisted his father until the latter’s death, when he took charge of the farm, and has been operating it ever since. In 1902, he remodeled and improved the homestead and grounds, making his home one of the most pleasant and comfortable in the village. He is one of the public-spirited young men of this portion of the county — progressive, ambitious and talented.

On Oct. 25, 1895, Mr. Brechbill was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Catherine Good, daughter of John and Catherine (Ebersole) Good, of Monroe township, this county, formerly of Lancaster county. They have no children of their own, but are rearing Donald Thornburgh Good, an orphaned nephew. Mr. and Mrs. Brechbill are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which they are deservedly popular.