My Genealogy Hound

LEMUEL BRENNEMAN, a prominent farmer and dairyman of Middlesex township, was born on the family homestead in that township, May 26, 1859.

The paternal grandfather, Melchor Brenneman, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., married a Miss Killinger, and in 1824, when their son Henry was seven years old, removed with his family to Cumberland county, where he settled on a farm in Middlesex township, and lived there till his death. Henry, the father of Lemuel, born Jan. 24, 1817, was brought up to farm life, and was so occupied during all his active years, though at one time he also kept a hotel on his farm. This place, known as the Black Horse Inn, was a favorite stopping place for travelers between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. In 1855 he married Miss Henrietta Cassel, born in Dauphin county, Pa., the daughter of Henry and Eva (Bockenstoe) Cassel. Three children were the issue of this union, namely: Annie, who died aged seventeen; Lemuel; and Newton, who died at Mt. Holly, Pa., in 1900. Henry Brenneman’s life was brought to its close in 1900. Religiously he was for over twenty-five years a member of the Lutheran Church, politically he was a Republican and a good citizen, but not an active politician.

Lemuel Brenneman grew up on his father’s farm and from early boyhood was accustomed to assist in the farm work. From the age of six he was sent to the public schools of the locality, and later spent one year in a Normal school. In 1880 he undertook the management of the home farm, and has ever since operated it for himself. For many years he ran the largest dairy in that section of the county, but in October, 1903, sold the entire business. Mr. Brenneman was married in 1879 to Miss Florence Hertzler, daughter of Christian and Rebecca (Eberly) Hertzler, both of whom are deceased. Five children were born to this union: Harriet, Anna, Romayne, Lester and Mary, all of whom are musical and proficient players on the piano. Mr. Brenneman is not only a successful and prosperous farmer, but a man of wide interests. Socially he is a member of the Modern Woodmen, on religious questions is a Lutheran, and politically is an adherent of the Republican party. In all directions he is intelligent, wide-awake and forceful, and is well known throughout the locality.