A Bedford County Historians
Hall of Fame

'Major' Simon M. Lutz, the co-founder (with Albert S. Ritchey) and first President of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County.

Through the years, Bedford County has spawned many historians who write books or newspaper articles to share their knowledge with others. Bedford County has also been the home of history lovers who have preserved and archived articles ranging in size from shoe-button-hooks to houses and barns. It also has been the home of many people who may not feel comfortable writing or may not have made a collection of Bedford County artifacts, but who love the history of Bedford County and use their resources to support and encourage research, writing and preservation by others.

Projects to accumulate, in a Hall of Fame, the names of those writers, archivists and supporters of the history of Bedford County have been discussed in the Bedford County Historical Society at various times over the years. During this Sestercentenial year, this particular Hall of Fame project was suggested by James B. Whisker and set up by Larry D. Smith.

One of the primary obstacles to the establishment of a Hall of Fame has been that it is difficult to establish parameters for determining who should be inducted into a Hall of Fame.

The first parameter to be established is the inclusion of founding members of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County, from its first incarnation in 1935 and its second incarnation in 1975. The second parameter is the inclusion of the individuals who volunteered to participate in any of the ad hoc committees established in the 1975 incarnation of the historical society. The third parameter is the inclusion of anyone who expended more energy to support or further the goals of the Bedford County Historical Society than simply paying yearly membership dues. And a fourth parameter is the inclusion of the many individuals who volunteer (without pay) to perform whatever tasks are necessary to keep the library functioning. On this page, the names of any and all individuals who meet any of the parameters will be listed and their contributions to the preservation of Bedford County history will be noted.

Hopefully, no one deserving of having their name included in this honor roll will have been missed. If you do not see a name for someone that you feel should be listed in this Honor Roll, please contact Larry D. Smith at:

Hall of Fame ~ Honor Roll

Margaret Adams ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Estella Allison ~ A resident of York, Pennsylvania, she donated a large collection of books and other library materials.

Jim Amick ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Robert Anderson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Clyde B. Arnold ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Lucien Arnall ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County President who started a number of initiatives for the Society (including ownership of the Old Stone School in the Dutch Corner and the Historian of the Year award).

Ethel S. Baker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Margaret Baker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Helen Barnett ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Richard S. Barry ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Jon D. Baughman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975.

Katherine R. Beamer ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Meredith Beegle ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Wendell Bellfy ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Leroy H. Benna ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Catherine E. Berger ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Byron Black ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Blackburn, Jr ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Blackburn ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

David S. Bloom ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Lydia C. Bloom ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

James D. Boor ~ Public records researcher and publisher.

Mr. & Mrs. Russell T. Bouch ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

D. H. Bradley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

A. W. Bud Brice ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Brown ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Harold Cessna ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975.

Jay B. Cessna ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also,Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

William Hunt Clark ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975 ~ also Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, he served as the Society's President for fourteen years.

Joe Colvin ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Nell Colvin ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn R. Cordell ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Corle, Sr ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Leo Cotter ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Beverly Creps ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Mary Jane Dallard ~ Research Library volunteer in 1975 ~ also Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975.

Pete Decker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

William L. Defibaugh ~ Bedford Springs Resort historian.

Mr. & Mrs. William L. Defibaugh ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. C. W. Dibert ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Doris Dibert ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Mr. & Mrs. Homer Dibert ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Sherry J. Diffenbaugh ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Theodore Dodson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Terry Doran ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Paul V. Dorner ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Kay Dull ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Anna M. England ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Enyeart ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. R. A. Farber ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Dorothy J. Felton ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

William F. Fine ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Glenna Fisher ~ Author of many articles for The Pioneer, the publication of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedfor County.

Mrs. James V. Fisher ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Dale Fletcher ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Flynn ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Hugo K. Frear ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, First President of the re-organized Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County in 1975.

Margie Frear ~ Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975.

Mary V. Frear ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Ned Frear ~ Author of a series of books about Bedford County history.

Mr. & Mrs. Ned Frear ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Sarah L. Frear ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Sally Frear ~ Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Virginia R. Frear ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975.

Ann E. Frick ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

John L. Frick ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Winona Garbrick ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975 ~ also Research Library volunteer in 1975 ~ also Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975 ~ also Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, editor of the book A Kernel of Greatness.

Fred W. Gentilman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Annie Gilchrist ~ Co-author, with Helen Hill Greenburg, of articles for the Bedford Inquirer.

Charles H. Graffius ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Helen A. Hill Greenburg ~ Charter member of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County in 1935 ~ Also, Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975 ~ also Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, co-author with Annie Gilchrist of articles for the Bedford Inquirer. ~ Also, author of numerous articles for the Bedford Gazette.

Robert H. Hammer ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Hugh A. Harlan ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Bethel M. Harr ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Patricia F. Harrison ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making. ~ Also, Bedford County Historical Society library volunteer.

John E. Hartle ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Hawksworth ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Bertha S. Heckerman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

David Heller ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Mr. & Mrs. Henderson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Charles N. Hickok ~ Early and respected historian and author.

Mr. & Mrs. Howard C. Hill ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Elizabeth Hissong ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Robert Hoffman ~ Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Roy D. Hoffman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mildred Hoffman ~ Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Holtzapple ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

M. Adalene Horne ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Alva Hostetler ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

James Hostetler ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Clay E. Hull ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mary Pearl Hunt ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975. Also, head of the librarians in 1977.

Fred Ickes ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Thomas C. Imler ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Field Trips Committee volunteer in 1975 ~ also Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975 ~ Also, Meeting Arrangements Committee volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. John H. James ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Larry C. Johnson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Bill Jordan ~ Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. William A. Jordan ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Francis C. Kegg ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Roy F. Kegg ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Field Trips Committee volunteer in 1975. Also, the second President of the Board of Trustees of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County. ~ Also, author of numerous articles for The Pioneer.

Wilson Lashley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Gillian Kay Leach ~ Library Research Coordinator for many years in the 1990s. ~ Also, Executive Director of the Bedford County Historical Society for many years.

Meybelle Defibaugh Linderman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Ann Logan ~ Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. John Logan ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Simon M. Lutz ~ Co-founder of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County in 1937, and its Board's first President.

Mr. & Mrs. Simon M. Lutz, Jr ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Ruth Mackey ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Elizabeth Madore ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County Treasurer for many years.

Ron Markwood ~ Fort Bedford historian.

Harry McCallion ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Barbara Sponsler Miller ~ Everett area historian

Derry A. Miller ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

J. Robert Miller ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Field Trips Committee volunteer in 1975.

Keith A. Miller ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Wallace T. Miller ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Mock ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

William Roy Mock ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Ron Morgan ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making. ~ Also, Broad Top region historian.

Anna Ruth Mundwiler ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975.

D. Evelyn Nave ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Huston Neptune ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Linda Norris ~ Bedford County Historical Society library volunteer.

Elizabeth C. Ott ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Edna Pate ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Karr Patton ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

David N. Petit ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Mr. & Mrs. William I. Plank ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Robert A. Pope ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Don C. Reiley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Donald C. Reiley, III ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mary Reiley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

J. W. Richey ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Mervin Rose ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Sue O. Rose ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Frederick Demont Royer ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Sammel ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Laura Semanek ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Mrs. Adam Shaffer ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Beatrice Shaffer ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Shields ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Bennett Shoenthal ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Donald E. Sigler ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Vonnee Sleighter ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Mr. & Mrs. D. Robert Smith ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Fred S. Smith ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Larry D. Smith ~ Primary author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making. ~ Also, Chairman of the Bedford County Sestercentennial Celebrations Committee in 2021.

Linda Smith ~ Youth Activity Committee volunteer in 1975.

Robert Snell ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

William Snell ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Dorothy M. Snyder ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Edward H. Snyder ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert D. Snyder ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

William H. Snyder ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. William H. Snyder Jr ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

C. Melvin Sonne ~ Head of Bedford County's participation in the 1794-1994 Whiskey Rebellion Bicentennial. ~ Also, he served as the Treasurer for the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County for ten years.

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Spielman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Herbert Spielman ~ Research Library volunteer in 1975.

Dorothy Studebaker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Sweet ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Madolyn Taylor ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mrs. Richard A. Todd ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Richard L. Tome ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975.

Debra E. Topinka ~ Contributing author to Bedford County, Pennsylvania ~ Two and One-Half Centuries in the Making.

Ben F. Van Horn ~ Author of books on the Morrison Cove region of Bedford County. Author of Bible, Axe and Plow.

Cora S. Van Horn ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. E. W. Van Horn ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

E. W. Van Horn ~ Research Library volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. Wakefoose ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Robert S. Way ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975 ~ Also, Field Trips Committee volunteer in 1975 ~ Also, Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975.

Jeff Whetstone ~ Civil War historian.

James B. Whisker ~ Author of books on clock and watchmakers, local musket makers and the Bedford County Archives.

Mary Sue Whisker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Research Library volunteer in 1975

Vaughn E. Whisker ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975. ~ Also, Field Trips Committee volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, author of the Tales of the Allegheny Foothills series. ~ Also, curator of the Lutz Museum of Indian artifacts at the Old Bedford Village.

Mary Jane Whitesell ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Alice C. Wiley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Bert C. Wiley ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Lucille Wiley ~ Friends Cove historian.

William Wilfong ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Roger Wilkerson ~ Co-founder of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County in 1937.

Mr. & Mrs. Roger F. Wilkerson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Kay Williams ~ Executive Director of the Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County during the 1980s and 1990s.

Rosanna Williams ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County library volunteer.

Mr. & Mrs. Frances H. Wilson ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mary Wilson ~ Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975. ~ Also, Library Research Coordinator for many years in the 1980s and 90s.

Jennie Workman ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Austin Wright ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Austin Wright ~ Quarterly Publication volunteer in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Wright ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Mr. & Mrs. Loraine Zubrod ~ Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford County charter member in 1975.

Loraine Zubrod ~ Genealogical Surveys Committee volunteer in 1975.