PA Civil War >
Biography > Benchoff
William F. Bechhoff
William F. Bechhoff, P.O. Blue Ridge Summit, proprietor of the "Montana Springs Summer Resort," located near the highest point in this county, was born on the farm where he now resides, September 4, 1826, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Miller) Benchhoff, the latter a daughter of Fritz. Miller, and of German descent. Our subject's great-grandfather was among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and located in Johnstown. His maternal great- grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution.
John Benchhoff, subject's father, a farmer by occupation, died October 26,1874, in his ninety- fourth year. He was among the early settlers of this county and had a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity. Of this number William F. is the sixth. Our subject was reared on the farm, followed agricultural pursuits until 1876, and since then has been keeping a summer resort and speculating in real estate in company with Judge Kimmell, of Chambersburg. They bought the land where Blue Ridge Summit Station is situated, laid off a town, and are selling town lots. Financially Mr. Benchhoff has been successful. He owns the farm where he resides, also 100 acres of land in Adams County. He was married in 1846 to Mary A. daughter of Thomas Crawford, and of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Benchhoff are parents of ten children, nine living, five of whom are married.
During the war Mr. Benchhoff was appointed provost-marshal by Captain Eyster, of Chambersburg, and discharged the duties of the office fearlessly and faithfully. He captured deserters and recovered much stolen Government property. His eldest son, Benjamin Franklin, was a soldier in the One Hundred and Twenty- sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 126th Regiment , and died soon after the battle of Fredericksburg from exposure. Mrs. Benchhoff is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Benchboff is a Republican in politics.