From: "History of Washington Township Franklin County"
by: Andrew Fitz

"John M. Benchoff and Loudin Francis Benchoff - Franklin County Superintendent of Schools - Owners of the Black Horse Tavern
"the terms of the sale were 40 shillings for 100 acres and 10 shillings per acre"

"John M was born in Franklin Co, Pa. He was reared on the farm there and followed farming until 1872 when he became proprietor of the Rouzerville Hotel near the state line. He conducted the hotel for a considerable time. About 1846 he married Miss Elizabeth Anderson, who was a daughter of John Anderson who was also a native of Franklin County. They had 12 children of whom 11 grew to maturity. Albert the youngest probably died of rheumatic fever."


There were 2 other children who died in infancy.

From Antietam Ancestors:

"John Myers Benchoff, son of John, farmed in Hamiltonban township, Adams county, Pas., on the mountain near his birthplace until 1872, whereupon he removed to Rouzerville, Franklin, County and purchased the Rouzerville Hotel (Black Horse Tavern). There he resided until his death. He was first buried in the Amsterdam graveyard, near Rouzerville, but his remains along with his first wife and sons John and Albert, were later removed to the Old Order German Baptist graveyard at Price's Church, north of Waynesboro.

He married (first) Elizabeth Anderson, born May 11, 1826 who bore him 11 children. Elizabeth died in 1889. He married (second) November 14 1889, Eliza Jane Harrison born May 18, 1865 died November 9, 1959. She bore him two children."

Obituary: June 11, 1909
Death Angel Garners Rich Harvest
JOHN M BENCHOFF
DIES AT RIPE OLD
AGE AT ROUZERVILLE

Kept Hotel For Five Years
Was Farmer Most of His
Life - Was Eighty-six Years
Old.

FATHER OF FORMER SUPERINTENDENT
OF COUNTY SCHOOLS

Was Born Near Charmian and
Dwelt In This Section of the
County All The Days
of His Life.

J. M. Benchoff, one of the oldest residents of Washington township, and father of ex-superintendent Loudon F Benchoff of the public schools, died at 1 this morning at his home in Rouzerville, after a lingering illness. He was aged 86 years.

Surviving are his widow and the following children: L. F. Benchoff, Chambersburg, ex-county superintendent of the public schools; William, Charmian; Valentine, Tiffin, Ohio; James, Rouzerville; Mrs Worley Davis and Mrs Vincent Rouzer, both of Waynesboro; Mrs Emma Hostler of Tiffin, Ohio; Miss Alice Benchoff of Baltimore; Stewart and Clemmons Benchoff at home; one brother Washington, Charmian; two sisters: Mrs John Brown, Charmian; Mrs Elizabeth Watson, MT Hope, Pa.

Mr Benchoff was a son of John and Sarah Benchoff and was born near Charmian where he was grown to manhood. About the age of 21 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Anderson of near Sabillasville. They then engaged in farming at which they were occupied for many years. About 20 years ago. In August, 1889 Mrs Benchoff died after a brief illness. Several years later Mr Benchoff was married the second time to Miss Jane Harrison of Blue Ridge Summit.

About 25 years ago Mr Benchoff retired from active work on the farm and purchased a small building in Rouzerville, which was used by him for hotel purposes about five years, later becoming tired of the hotel business, he disposed of some of the fixtures and quit the business. He however continued to live in the building and it was there he died.


His name appears in the 1850 Hamiltonban, Adams County, Pennsylvania Census on page 153. He listed as a farmer born in Pensylvania with his wife Elizabeth and 2 children William H. age 2 and Mary age 1.