My Genealogy Hound

ELMER E. LAY. The business interests of Plainfield, West Pennsboro township, Cumberland county, are in the hands of capable, intelligent, keen men, actively alive to the current affairs. Among these may well be mentioned Elmer E. Lay, a son of William Lay, and grandson of Samuel Lay.

Samuel Lay was born in 1812, in Perry county, Pa., where he was profitably engaged in farming, and there married, in 1832, Miss Anna Fought, also of Perry county. After a few years he removed to Indiana, and there died in 1871. Samuel Lay had the following children: William, the father of Elmer E.; Samuel, of Lockhaven, Pa.; John, of Colorado, at one time of Perry county; Harry, who died in Illinois; Susan, living at Carlisle; Mary Baker, who lived in Perry county, and is deceased; Becky, living at Newville; and Maggie, living in Perry county.

William Lay, the father of Elmer E., was born in 1837, in Perry county, where he attended the common schools until he was seventeen years of age, and then began to learn the carpenter’s trade, and at the same time engaged in farming. In 1858 he married Miss Carrie Kistler, daughter of Samuel and Catherine Kistler, of Perry county. He engaged in farming until Oct. 20, 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, 177th Regiment, under Capt. Filbert. Unfortunately this brave soldier became ill, and although honorably discharged he was too ill to be moved, and died in 1864. The following children were born to William Lay and his wife: Wilson, born in Perry county, in 1850; Ella, born in Perry county, who died in 1898, at the Carlisle hospital; Elmer E.; and Alvertta, born in Perry county, in 1864, who died in 1865.

Elmer E. Lay was born in Perry county in 1862, and attended the public schools until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he began learning the tinner’s trade, becoming so proficient that he was able to do journeyman work during his third year. He then removed to Plainfield, and started in business for himself in 1887, on Wood street. In 1899 he embarked in a mercantile line, continuing his tinning business as well until about a year ago, when he disposed of that branch so as to devote all of his attention to his store, which is the only one in Plainfield. It is well stocked and an excellent quality of goods is carried. Mr. Lay owns the property he occupies, which is one of the most desirable business blocks in the village, has made many improvements on the property, and has a handsome hall over his store, where the lodge of American Mechanics meets; he is a member of same.

In 1886 Mr. Lay married Rose Smarsh, daughter of V. A. Smarsh, and when he took his bride to Plainfield he purchased the home they now occupy, a pleasant dwelling upon which they have made many improvements. They have become the parents of the following children: William, born in 1887 in Carlisle, died in 1889 at Plainfield; Ella, born in 1889, is attending the Shippensburg State Normal School; Elmer M., born in 1890, and Frank F., born in 1892, are attending school. The family attend the Lutheran Church of Plainfield, and are important factors in the social life of the community. Mr. Lay votes the Democratic ticket, and has served as assessor and upon the election board of his township.