JOHN
WISSINGER, A NONAGENARIUM, CALLED BY DEATH
(The Johnstown
Tribune)
Well-Known Resident of Morrellville Had Been Bedfast Since November
BORN IN FEBRUARY, 1836
John Wissinger, one of the oldest residents of Johnstown, passed away this morning at his residence, 123 Leslie Street, Morrellville, where he had been bedfast since November. His death was due to a complication of diseases. The deceased was born in Lower Yoder Township on February 27, 1836, and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Wissinger. Lewis Wissinger died in Conemaugh Township 32 years ago at the age of 102 years and his grandfather [Ludwig Wissinger], who served in the Revolutionary War, was a nonagenarian at the time of his death. The latter was a drummer boy under Washington in a regiment of Germans that was recruited in Philadelphia. John Wissinger's mother died when he was a mere child and he was reared by the Eli Benshoff family, of Minersville, now the Fourteenth Ward, where he spent his boyhood days. Early in the 50's Mr. Wissinger plowed a field at the present site of the Cambria Steel Company's mills, but he never worked for the local industry. For over 50 years Mr. Wissinger was engaged in farming in Jackson Township, this county, returning to Johnstown many years ago and had since resided in the vicinity of his birthplace. Mr. Wissinger was married twice, both times to sisters. His first wife was Sophia Mackall and his second wife was Harriet Mackall. All his children were born to his first wife, whose death occurred 31 years ago. His second wifešs death occurred in 1914. His children are Mary, wife of Timothy Gillen, of Jackson Township; Albert Wissinger, of Walnut Grove; Sarah, wife of Watson Grumbling, of Morrellville; Eli H. Wissinger, of Roxbury, this city; Lucy, wife of Stephen James, of Conemaugh; Hannah, wife of Harry Griffith, of Jackson Township; and Walter E Wissinger, Richland Manor. In addition to the above he is survived by 43 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. John Wissinger was a member of the church of the Brethren for many years. He was the oldest member of the Morrellville congregation.