My Genealogy Hound

HARRY McELHARE, one of the prosperous, ambitious farmers and dairymen of Shippensburg township, Cumberland county, was born in Green township, Franklin county, near Orrstown, April 11, 1865, son of Michael and Charlotte (Ryan) McElhare.

The paternal grandfather was Archibald McElhare, who married a Miss Harbison, and both were natives of Ireland. The maternal grandfather was Jacob Ryan, and he married a Miss Etter.

Michael McElhare was born in Cumberland county, in 1828, while his wife was born in Franklin county in 1849. Soon after their marriage they settled on a farm in Franklin county, near Orrstown, where they resided, the father farming and operating a dairy until his death in 1893. He was one of the most substantial farmers of his locality.

Harry McElhare was educated in the district schools of Franklin county, and assisted his father upon the farm. Leaving school when seventeen he devoted his attention to farming until he attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account on the homestead. This continued until his marriage, in 1892, with Miss Emma R. Stumbach, of Franklin county, daughter of William and Lydia (Billinger) Stumbach. At that time Mr. McElhare settled on what is known as the Charles White farm in Cumberland county, near Shippensburg, and engaged in farming and dairying. In the spring of 1903 he rented and moved to the McAllister farm, adjoining Shippensburg, which contains seventy-six acres. On this farm is a spring which is never dry, and its waters have been used for dairy purposes for many years. Those who have tasted of them, pronounce them better than many bottled waters on the market. In connection with his farming, Mr. McElhare milks on an average twenty-five cows, retailing his milk in Shippensburg. His cows are of the Jersey and Holstein breeds, noted for their milk and butter qualities.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McElhare: Viola, Mary and Harry, Jr. Mr. McElhare is a member of Shippensburg Lodge No. 93, I. O. O. F., Also of the Royal Arcanum and of the American Mechanics. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Middle Spring, and are very popular wherever known.