Wrightstone ~ Arnold Families

Like many of our families, the Wrightstone Family and Arnold Family are both early settlers of the northern York County townships, which today include Carroll, Monaghan, Fairview, Newberry, Washington, and Warrington.

-- My Wrightstone ~ Arnold relationship comes from my mother Dorothy Irene Klinger, who was the daughter of Irene Mary Wrightstone and Edwin Charles Klinger.


Irene Wrightstone's heritage began when a 28 year old farm laborer, Edwin Underwood Wrightstone, met and married Hattie Amelia Arnold on December 2nd 1902.

-- Hattie was the daughter of Luther H. Arnold, and Annie Mary Sollenberger.


When Edwin married Hattie, she was a 19 year old living with her grandmother, Mary Ann Diller-Sollenberger, in Uniontown, Franklin Township, York County. The Sollenberger ~ Diller families are two more of our early German farm families that opened up western Pennsylvania in the 18th century.

In the fall of 1882 Annie Sollenberger was a young eighteen year old women living on the family farm off Mountain Road in rural Franklin Township York County. During this time a fourteen year old farm laborer, Luther Arnold, lived about a half mile from Annie's father's and her uncle's farms.

-- This Franklin Township map gives you a general idea of the area in 1880.

-- And this is a 2012 photo of the Sollenberger farm on South Moutain Road.


Annie and Luther never married, and seven years later, in 1890, Hattie's mother Annie Sollenberger married Tobias Bentz. With this marriage, the Sollenberger ~ Bentz family was created.

Tobias was previously married to Alice B. Sollenberger, and they had four children before Alice died in 1887, while giving birth to another child. At that time Annie went to help Tobias and his children in their home, and not long after they married.

-- By far I think the Wrightstone ~ Arnold photo collection, and the Sollenberger ~ Diller ~ Bentzcollection are the largest in our library.

-- The Wrightstone family directory is where much more information can be found. We also have all our research papers that you can read.


My Wrightstone Families

The story begins with the name, Reichstein. An old german name meaning, right stone. Seriously. Like many of our German family names.

-- As an example, my Greenawalt family, who came from the Grünewald forest region of Germany, within the Berlin borough (Bezirk) of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. These are considered habitational names from any of the places in German.


Reichstein is related to Saxony, and the name spelled Reichenstein is related to the Rhineland of Schleswig-Holstein and Württemberg.

There are issues with locating exactly how, or when, Reichstein became Wrightstone. We have some thoughts from the Wrightstone family.

When families immigrated to Colonoal Pennsylvania in the 18th centruy, the families usually lived in German enclaves. Places were they spoke their language, and lived their life as in their home country.

My grandmother, Irene Mary Wrightstone, married Edwin Charles Klinger. Irene's grandparents were Michael Wrightstone and his wife Eliza Kline. Michael was the son of John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart.

John Wrightstone (1791-1856)

-- My maternal 3rd great grandparents: John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart.


John Wrightstone was born 1791 in Pennsylvania to Johann Jacob and Elizabeth Wrightstone. John and his brother William Wrightstone lived in early 19th century Fairview Township, York County, Pennsylvania.

About 1820, John married Margaret Hart, who was born about 1800 in Pennsylvania to Michael and Barbara Hart.

-- Here is William's family research paper, and his family's diectory.

-- Michael Hart was born about 1778 in York County Pennsylvania, and died on September 12th 1811 in York County.

--  Michael Hart's parents were Jacob Hart born about 1720 in Germany, and died about 1811 in York County. Jacob married Catherine Landis.


John was a farmer and laborer, who owned his own homes and other lands. Around 1820 John and Margaret lived in Fairview Township, and prior to 1840 the family moved to Newberry Township, York County.

By 1844 the family moved to Conewago Township, York County, where Margaret died sometime between August 4th 1845 and January 15th 1846.

John then married Leah, who may have been previously married to Joseph Sipe (Seip), who died about 1848.

-- Based on research, this Leah is either Leah Sipe who after her husband Joseph Sipe died, married John, or Leah is the sister of John Wrightstone, who married Joseph Sipe.

-- Sister or wife of Joseph, this Leah would have been born circa 1801, and we cannot locate her after 1860. A number of children show up on the 1850 and 1860 census record who I believe are children belonging to Leah and her first husband Joseph Sipe.


There were civil charges of assault and battery brought against John, which happened after Margaret died.

-- "...1851 November Court Session - County vs. John Wrightstone; Indictment assault and battery, true bill fined November 21st 1851. Tuesday defendant and Francis Werly as security $200 for appearances of defendants at January Session 1/5/52 to answer...John Baker, Wm Eichiltz, Susanna Seip, Tuesday November 4th 1851, Each in $100.00..."

-- "...1852 January Court Session, Tried January 8th 1852. The attached January 1852 Court Docket for the 8th shows Conewago, John Wrightstone..."


Since 1821 Margaret and John were having children about every two years. The one exception is between when Samuel Wrightstone was born in 1838 and Margaret in 1843. From what I can tell Margaret was the last child born to John and Margaret, and Margaret may have died resulting from giving birth to another child in 1846.

When John died in 1856, his estate record indicated: "...decedent left a widow and eight children...", meaning those children were still living in 1856. Using census records and John's will, we believe John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart had the following children.

i. Elizabeth Wrightstone was born about 1821 to John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart in Fairview Township York County Pennsylvania. She married George Witmer (Whitmore or Witmyer) on September 26th 1844. Elizabeth was named after her father's mother, or for her mother. Elizabeth died about 1874, near or after her son Ephraim Witmer was born.

ii. Unknown male child was identified in the 1830 census, who was born between 1820 and 1825 to John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart. I cannot locate another male Wrightstone, that isn't already accounted for. This child may have died prior to 1840.

iii. Michael Wrightstone (1825-1903). He married Eliza Jane Kline.

iv. Sarah Ann Wrightstone was born August 30th 1827. In 1850 Sara Ann Richstone, age 23, lived in the household of John Becker, Conewago Township York County Pennsylvania. Sarah Rightstone married Daniel S. Strine on August 18th 1853 in Conewago Township York, by F. Shetter J.P.


-- Daniel was born May 4th 1833 to John Strine and Catharine Schultz in Strinestown, York County.

-- Daniel and Sarah lived in the Manchester area of York County.

-- Daniel died February 12th 1886, and Sarah died December 1st 1909. They were both laid to rest in the Manchester Union Cemetery in Manchester York County Pennsylvania.


v. John Wrightstone 1830-1905). He married Eliza Wire.

vi. Unknown male child was listed in the 1840 census record for Newberry Township, who would have been born between 1830 and 1835; most likely about 1832 to John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart. This child may have died before 1850 census record.

vii. Jane Wrightstone was born 1835 to John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart. Jane may have married John M. Wilt of Conewago Twp. These names appeared on the Estate records of John Wrightstone; John M. Wilt of Conewago Township, Joseph McCreary of Newberry Twp, John W. Witmer Esq. of York, Elijah Ganetson and Israel Garetson both of Spring Garden Twp.

viii. Samuel Wrightstone was born 1841, and died of dysentery while serving in the Civil War on August 29th 1864 at the Andersonville Prison.

ix. Margaret Ellen Wrightstone was born about 1843-44 to John Wrightstone and Margaret Hart. In 1860 she was 17 years old working as a servant maid in the home of Squire George Bowers, age 73, and Eve Bowers age 67, Strinestown, Conewago Township. York County.


John Wrightstone and his 2nd wife, Leah Sipe had one child.

x. Barbara Ann Wrightstone was born May 27th 1849 in Conewago Township, York County. When Barbara was 19 years old, she married 21 year old John F. Wire (Weir) on September 6th 1868 in Strinestown Conewago Township York County Pennsylvania.


-- John was born June 15th 1846 to David Wire and Elizabeth Fink, most likely in the Strinestown area of Conewago Township York County Pennsylvania. Before the start of the Civil war John stood at 5' 4" tall with black hair and brown eyes. He worked as a laborer in and around the Strinestown area.

On August 18th 1864, John Wire enlisted into federal service in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. On August 23rd in Harrisburg, he mustered in as a private with Co. B, 200th Pennsylvania Infantry. John was honorably discharged with his company May 3th 1865. At this time he moved to Lisburn in Fairview Township Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It was here that he and Barbara would raise their family and live out their lives.

We aren't certain when Barbara died, but John died December 27th 1909 while living in Lisburn, Fairview Township, York County. They were both laid to rest in the Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery, Cedar Point, York County. John and Barbara had five children.


Michael Wrightstone (1825-1903

-- My maternal 2nd great grandparents: Michael Wrightstone and Elizabeth Kline.

-- There is so much more on this family, and I encourage everyong to visit our research papers to read more about this family.

--  Here's the specific Michael Wrightstone (1825-1903) research paper.

I also think visitng the family directory you will find even more to see.


Michael Wrightstone was born October 3rd 1825 to John Wrightstone and Elizabeth Hart in Fairview Township, York County. Michael was named after his mother's father; Michael Hart.

In 1830 Michael and his younger brother John lived in Fairview Township, but prior to 1840 Michael and his parents moved to Conewago Township, Newberrytown of York County. By the mid 1840s, Michael moved back to Fairview Township, and was still there in 1848 and 1849. At that time Michael occupied a piece of property in Fairview Township with one building valued at $50 dollars, and he is taxed 15 cents in 1848 and 12 cents in 1849.

Michael grew to be 5' 8" tall, and worked as a farmer and farm laborer. Prior to entering the Civil War as a private, Michael worked for a Michael and Mary A. Coover as a farm labor in Monaghan Township, Post Office area of Lewisberry, York County.

In the fall of 1862 Michael and his brother, John, enlisted as privates into Company C of the 166th Pennsylvania Regiment. Michael was in Company C and John Company G.

-- The 166th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Infantry was a drafted militia, activated for a nine month service."...This muster-in roll of Drafted Militia was made on the form intended for Volunteers..."

This is the offical Regimental Memorial that was in the Northern York County Historical Society archives room, where I spent time helping out.

-- A summary of Michael's Civil War Service is a great read, and are some details from his Muster Roll Cards.


Michael was 29 years old when he joined for duty and enrolled as a private on November 9th, mustering into the regiment of November 11th 1862 in York, Pennsylvania. He mustered-out in Harrisburg Pennsylvania on July 28th 1863. His last pay was made on March 1st 1863; and he was given $34.48 for clothing in kind or money advanced.

After Michael mustered out, he went to work for the Caleb and Elizabeth Underwood family in the Lewisberry area located in Monaghan Township, York County. Caleb's brother John Underwood was a neighbor.

While living with the Underwood's Michael meets Elizabeth (Eliza) Jane Kline, who he marries on September 27th 1864 in Lewisberry, York County, by Reverend Solomon Dasher, who was a Lutheran Minister in the Lewisberry area.

The wedding was conducted in the Dasher home, with Reverend Dasher's wife and daughter attending.

-- Elizabeth was born on February 23rd 1839 to the parents of were William O. and Jane Kline.


By 1870 Michael was a laborer working in a nursery in Monaghan Township. He is 45 and Elizabeth is 31 years old, and they have five children, all under the age of 5 years old.

By 1880, Frank age 8, Edwin age 5, Irwin 1 year old, and Morris 3 months old are born. Ulysses age 14 and Ira age 12 are still living with the family. Charles who should be about 10 years old and Millian E who should be about 11 years old is not listed with the family.

Michael and Eliza lived with the Underwood's for a brief time before moving to Siddonsburg Monaghan Township, were Eliza ad Michael were well on their way of raising their family. They would also live in the Shepherdstown area of Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County, just a few miles north of Siddonsburg.

-- The name Underwood is the middle name of my great-grandfather, Edwin Underwood Wrightstone. The underwood family may be related to the Kline family, William O. and Jane Kline. Possibly Jane's madien name.

-- Over the years we've been collecting and organizing as many Wrightstone Photos we could hunt down and post. -- Also, each of the following children, and their life events are contained in their specific research paper.


By 1890 Michael and Eliza lived in Upper Allen Township, post office Shepherdstown. It is in 1890 we learn that Michael filed an Civil War Pension application for his service with the 166th Pennsylvania Regiment during the American Civil War.

-- This paper is a summary of his Civil Warr pension application.

-- In the claim, Michael indicates; "...That he is physically unable to earn a support by reason of chronic rheumatism and nervousness, which keeps me from work a great portion of my time - sometimes 2 weeks - at a stretch, and suffer pain all the time..."

--  On a March 31st 1891 affidavit, Michael claims the following: "...I contacted rheumatism on July 1863 at Suffolk by lying out in the cold and sometimes laid in the water and became nervous from exposure..."


Then in 1891 Michael, while still living in Shepherdstown, Upper Allen Township, he applied for an increase in his pension. In this application, Michael stated that his original pension of six dollars ($6.00) per month is for Rheumatism, and that he suffers from the following disabilities which he does not draw a pension.

-- "...I have not got the use of my arms. I am not able to put them up to my head..." Again C. B. Underwood witnesses the claim and H. S. Mohler (Harry S. Mohler) both residing in Mechanicsburg Cumberland County. Michael's Claimant Affidavit is again unreadable.

-- In all of the documents thus far Michael is not writing his name, but is making his mark with an "X". The name is most likely being written by a witness or the Justice of the Peace. In all census records where the question is asked; can read or write, Michael is listed as "No" for both. Michael could not read or write.


By 1892 Michael is again seen by a Physician. Michael is 67 years old, 5' 7' tall, and weighed 154 pounds. Michael's pulse rate was 108, respiration 20, and his temperature was 98 3/5th degrees. The paper did not identify the physician, but it can be assumed it is Dr. Robert P. Long from Mechanicsburg.

-- Much of the document is technical and hard to decipher, but here is what could be translated.

-- "...Rheumatism is getting worse. He had to wear glasses for 2 years. Has been somewhat nervous for several years...Rheumatism, heart size and sounds are normal, but its action is rapid...slight exercise brought pulse to 120...marked antiepileptic motion in shoulders and knees...no other physical signs of rheumatism were present..."

-- "...Claimant is well nourished, muscles are firm and hands are callous. No evidence of any nervousness was present except a slight tremor of hands common to one's age..."

-- The issue with nervousness may have been Shaking Palsy (Parkinson's) or other neurological issue like Essential Tremors, which are progressive neurological disorders. Symptoms include shaking of the arms or hands that is apparent during voluntary movements such as eating and writing. The tremor can also spread to the head (neck), jaw and voice as well as other body regions.


On May 20th 1896 Michael now 67 living in Mechanicsburg, and he again filed another request for the increase of Invalid Pension with the local Justice of the Peace. In this affidavit Certificate Number 623659 is cited.

-- "...Application is also made for further additional pension on account of the following disabilities for which he has not heretofore been pensioned: nervousness to such an extent that he is unable to cloth himself or to feed himself on account of it, and his age.

-- He believes himself entitled to a higher rating..."

-- A Dr. George Fulmer provided an affidavit. "...I have this day carefully examined Mr. Michael Wrightstone, having been a private in Co C 166 Pa Volunteer Militia. I find him suffering from chronic rheumatism and exceedingly nervous. That it is with great difficulty that he can put a glass of water to his lips without turning it on himself. And at this time he is incapacitated from performing any hard manual labor by which he can support himself and wife. And that his disabilities are not due to any vicious habits..."


On a surgeon's certificate dated July 22nd 1896, the examining physician, Robert N. Short, reaffirms previous physician's diagnosis. One exception is the physician's description of Michael's nervousness, which the physician diagnosed as being caused by; nervousness partial paralysis Agitans.

This is the first time we correlate the nervousness to what we call today as Parkinson disease. Michael's final diagnosis is Rheumatism and Paralysis Agitans.

Michael died November 5th 1903 at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 2 days in the vicinity of Graham's School house in Upper Allen Township. He was buried on November 8th 1903 at the Filey's Church and Cemetery located in Monaghan Township, York County. The church is located outside of Siddonsburg and Dillsburg Pennsylvania.

-- Michael was prostrated by a stroke of paralysis. He lingered until Thursday evening at 6:30 o'clock, when the death summons came, and he passed beyond, at age 78 years.

-- The deceased lived in this neighborhood for many years, and was always recognized as a man of the straightest integrity.

-- He was a member in good standing of Post 415 G. A. R. of Mechanicsburg.

-- The funeral was held Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, with services in Filey's church by Reverend A. M. Strauss of Mechanicsburg.

--  The remains will be interned in the grave yard adjoining the church.

-- Filey's church burnt down in 2010.


On November 13th 1903 Michael's wife Eliza Jane applied for Michael's pension as his widow.

Eliza Jane Wrightstone died August 7th 1908 at 69 years, 5 months and 15 days. She is buried with her husband at Filey's Church Cemetery, Fileys Road, Monaghan Township, York County.

-- Over the years we've been collecting and organizing as many Wrghtstone Photos we could hunt down and post.

-- This is a copy of the Michael and Elizabeth Wrightstone family bible.

-- You will have to read the research paper on Michale and Elizabeth to know deails of their children's lives.

-- The only child I will write about is my great grandfather, Edwin Underwood Wrightstone (1874-1957), who married Hattie Amelia Arnold.


According to the 1900 census record for Upper Allen Twp York Co, Elizabeth indicates she had 9 children and 8 were still living.

i. Ulysses S. Grant Wrightstone was born June 7th 1866. He died October 20th 1943.Here's the specific research paper on Grant.

ii. Ira Alfred Wrightstone was born June 11th 1867. He married Christeena Stalter-Felter on July 26th 1915. Here's the specific research paper on Ira.

iii. William Elmer Wrightstone was born December 7th 1868. He married Ella B. Kreider. Here's the specific research paper on William's family.

iv. Charles Howard Wrightstone was born March 28th 1870, and died February 20th 1871; aged 10 months, 23 days.

v. Franklin Marion Wrightstone was born January 20th 1872. He married Edith E. Miller. Here's the specific research paper on Frank and his famiily.

vi. Edwin Underwood Wrightstone (1874-1957). He married Hattie Amelia Arnold.

vii. Irvin Caley Wrightstone was born July 11th 1878. He married Bertha Alice. Here's the specific research paper on Irvin.

viii. Maurice Percy Wrightstone was born February 17th 1880. He married Luelle Pearl Nelms. Here's the specific research paper on Percy's life.

ix. Ida May Wrightstone (1885-1931). She married Jonathan I. May. Here's the specific research paper on Ida Mae.