"John P. Hershey was born in Heidelperg Township, York Co., Penn., October 24, 1845, a son of Benjamin and Barbara (Forry) Hershey, who were of Swiss descent. His great-great-grandfather, Andrew Hershey, born 1698, came to this country when quite young, and settled in Lancaster County, Penn. He died December 25, 1754. Tradition says he owned and was buried on what is known as James Buchanan's farm, near Lancaster City. His son, John Hershey, came to York County, and settled on land that had been taken up by Andrew Hershey, in the eastern part of Heidelberg Township. He died in 1795, and was buried in Garber's graveyard, near Menges' Mill. His son, John Hershey, took the homestead farm (Menges' Mill), where he lived all his life. He was one of the defenders of 1812, and died in 1829. His son, Benjamin, the father of John F. Hershey, was born in 1808 and spent his early life on the farm, and working in mills in Ohio, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was married in 1844, to Barbara, daughter of John and Annie Forry. After his marriage he bought a farm one-half mile west of Menges' mill, where he lived until his death (1877), his widow surviving him but live years. Both are buried in Garber's graveyard. John F. Hershey's early life was spent on the farm. He was married December 17, 1868, to Susan M. Miller, daughter of Jacob and Susan (Mause) Miller, of Heidelberg Township. They have had four sons: J. Jacob, Joseph (deceased). Charles and Alvin. Mr. Hershey owns one tract of land, about 106 acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation." [1]
[1] John Gibson, ed., History of York County Pennsylvania, Part II Biographical Sketches (Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing, 1886), 109, [InternetArchive], [GoogleBooks].