Capt. Zephaniah Willhide, was born on his father's farm,in the year 1818, less than a mile from Thurmont, Frederick Co., Md. About 1838, he came to Perry County, PA. He was a millwright which trade he leared. He was a joiner of great skill and precision, and engaged in that work for many years after he turned his attention to farming. in 1850 he bought the farm of his father-in-law, Solomon Shively, and moved there that year from the tannery property where he has formerly lived. He owned and lived upon the farm till 1901 and managed it till his advancing age prevented. For a number of years before he sold the farm. Both of his wives, being sisters, were born upon this farm. Zephaniah and his second wife Catharine were married fifty years.

Elizabeth Jane Sheibley (First wife)1826 – 1853

Children:
Albert Clay Willhide 1847 –
Mary Catherine Elizabeth Willhide 1848 – 1884
William Leader Willhide 1849 – 1910
Arnold Richard Willhide 1851 –

Catharine Ellen Shively(Second wife and sister of the first) 1833 – 1903

Children:
Milo Neven Willhide 1856 – 1920
Elmer Ellsworth Willhide 1861 – 1937
Laura Theresa Willhide 1864 – 1927

The entire family belonged to the Methodist church at New Germantown, Perry Co., PA.

Zephaniah never saw actual service in time of war, yet he served as "commissioned, Captain of the Montgomery Cadets of the Uniformed Militia of Commonweath of Pennsylvania, in the 3rd Brigade of the Fifteenth Division of the Counites of Cumberland, Perry and Franklin." His first commission was issued by Wm. F. Johnston, Governor of PA., April 26, 1851, the second by Wm. Bigler, Governor of PA., Sept 7, 1854. At the time of his first enrollment of PA. Volunteers, he was training the Montgomery Cadets, and had just two months till he would be past the age limit. Before the draft was made, his limit had expired and his company went into service under another officer.

Both wives are buried at New Germantown, Perry Co., PA.

Historical Newspapers, Altoona Mirrow, March 30, 1906, Captain Zephaniah Willhide father of A. R. Willhide of 3017 Broad Avenue, died at his home at New Germantown, Perry County, last week of diseases incident to old age. He was 88 years old, 22 months and 15 days, and was one of the oldest residents of Perry County.

1850 US Census, Toboyne Twp., Perry Co., PA., Roll 805, Book 1, Page 358, Zephaniah Willhide age 32, Millright, Elizabeth wife age 25, Mary C. E. daughter age 4, Albert son age 2, William son age 8 months, Cornilius Fahs age 44 Blacksmith, Elizabeth Boowe age 14.

1860 US Census, Toboyne Twp., Perry Co., PA., Roll 1150, Book 1, Page 821, Zephaniah Willhide age 42, Millwright, Cathatine E. wife age 27, Mary C. E. daughter age 14, albert C. son age 13, William son age 11, Arnold R son age 9, Zepheniah son age 3, Caroline Shively Domestic age 22.

1870 US Census, Toboyne Twp., Perry Co., PA., Roll 1386, Book 1, Page 281, Zaphania Wilhide age 52, farmer, Catherine wife age 37, Albert C. son age 22, Carpenter, Mary C. daughter age 25, William son age 20, Arnold son age 19, Milo son age 13, Elmer son age 8, Laura daughter age 6, Caroline Shivley Age 32, sister-in-law.

1880 US Census, Blair Borough, Perry Co., PA., Roll 1165, Book 1, Page 296, Zehaniah Willhide age 62, farmer, Catharine wife age 47, Mary daughter age 32, William son age 30, farmer, Elmer son age 18, farmer, Laura daughter, age 16, Caroline Shively age 43, sister-in-law.

1900 US Census, Toboyne Twp., Perry Co., PA., Roll 1451, Book 1, Page 244, Zephaniah Willhide Jan 1818 age 82, Married 46 years 7 children 6 living, Catharine E. wife Apr 1853 age 67, Caroline Sheibly July 1837 62, sister-in-law.