Andrew Rench Schnebly by Mark Wilmoth
Andrew Rench Schnebly by Mark Wilmoth
Andrew Rench Schnebly was born on September 7, 1823 in Washington Co., MD. He was one of sixteen children of Daniel H and Anna Maria (Rench) Schnebly.
In his early twenties, the war with Mexico began, and he joined the Maryland Brigade of Light Artillery. Initially, his father was against his enlistment but later agreed, stating, "Go ahead, Andrew. If I were young, I would go myself." He served as the Sergeant of the guard responsible for escorting Santa Anna from Mexico City to Vera Cruz when he was captured. He frequently recounted the polite demeanor of Santa Anna during this journey.
He came back home and finished his studies at Marshall College in Mercersburg. Upon graduation, he went back home to oversee his father's farm, called "Ann Maria's Delight," situated near Mt Moriah, close to Williamsport, MD.
In 1857, he was elected as delegate from Washington County to the Maryland Legislature and declined re-election. During the political campaign when a secret meeting was suggested, he said to the manager “you don’t need to have it secret if there’s nothing wrong and if is not all fair and square you can count me out.”
He married Harriet Matilda Hoke, the daughter of Adam and Susanna (Eichelberger) Hoke. She was born outside of Mercersburg on February 26, 1830. They had one child, Daniel Hoke Schnebly (1868-1899). She died on December 8, 1888. In 1893 he remarried Harriet O McCauley. She was born on January 30, 1852 to Rev Charles F and Maria (Hoke) McCauley and died on April 11, 1911. She is buried at Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, PA.
Following the birth of his son, Andrew relocated his young family to Mercersburg in 1869 to oversee his father-in-law's business. After Mr. Hoke passed away, Andrew became involved in the grain and coal industry and served as the Mercersburg agent for the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company for nine years.
Andrew participated in the organization of the Farmer’s Bank of Mercersburg and for 15 years served as its president. He resigned two years before his death on account of ill health.
He was prominently connected with the business interests of Mercersburg and Washington Co., MD throughout his life. He was a charter member of the Hagerstown Fair Association and his interest continued until his death, attending meetings until two years before his death.
Beginning in 1873, he served as a member of the Board of Regents at Mercersburg College. His commitment to Christian education was evident through his efforts to assist and support numerous young men in pursuing higher education. He was recognized for his dedication to and concern for the Reformed Church. A devoted and generous member of the Trinity Reformed Church, he held the position of elder for over forty years. He often represented the congregation at Classis and Synod meetings. Additionally, he made substantial contributions to the Mercersburg church and college and regularly donated to support elderly clergymen and the widows of ministers within the church.
He was considered a “most companionable man” and had a large collection of anecdotes of the Mexican and Civil wars and of the ante bellum days.
After battling an illness for two years, he passed away on June 11, 1913. He was deeply cherished, and many individuals from various places, including Baltimore and Philadelphia, came to pay their respects at the funeral. Due to his association with the Farmers Bank, the bank was closed during the funeral service. In a gesture of respect, The First National Bank of Mercersburg also closed its doors that day, a courtesy that was greatly valued by the family. He was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery alongside his first wife and son.
Daniel Hoke Schnebly was an only child and remained unmarried throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 32 due to lung complications. For a number of years, he served as the cashier and bookkeeper at Farmers Bank of Mercersburg. Prior to his death, he spent several months in the Adirondacks and traveled to the western and southern regions in search of better health.
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