Gettysburg College, formerly known as Pennsylvania College, has excelled for 178 years in education and historical significance. Established in 1832 by Dr. Samuel Simon Schmucker for the purpose of providing secular education for those who sought higher learning, the liberal arts college created another milestone in the spring of 1894. It was during that time that two women, the first of the institution, graduated along with the young men. The first was Cora Hartman, the daughter of John and Catherine Hartman. The second, who followed right after Cora to retrieve her diploma, was Margaret Himes. To Cora, because her surname came first alphabetically, went the honor of being the first female graduate from Pennsylvania (now Gettysburg) College.
Cora Hartman was born on November 30, 1870 in the village of Mummasburg, just west of Gettysburg. According to the 1880 census, Cora was John and Catherine Hartman’s only child. The house, which no longer stands, was a beautiful Victorian edifice – a showcase home of the area. John, Cora’s father, was a descendant of John Hardman, a German immigrant who farmed in Adams County until his unexpected, early death in 1817 – leaving eight orphans, seven of them under 14 years of age. Cora’s father followed the profession of his great-grandfather and farmed the fertile land in Mummasburg. He admonished Cora to seek an education, for then, he explained to her, more doors would open – making life more interesting and enjoyable.
Throughout the 1800s and into the early 1900s, women were not expected to seek education, especially attending colleges or universities. The men were the providers, and the women were expected to set up housekeeping. Cora, however, decided to follow her father’s sagely advice. First she attended Shippensburg University. After two years there, she transferred to Pennsylvania College, a bit closer to home. She was active in student government and activities, and while there she met a young man who shared her enthusiasm for learning. Harvey Edward Berkey, a Gettysburg native, was two years ahead of Cora at the college. After graduation in 1892, he continued his studies at Gettysburg’s Lutheran Theological Seminary with plans to become a minister.
Cora graduated from Pennsylvania College with the Class of 1894, with fellow graduate and trailblazer Margaret Himes right behind her. The following year, on June 18, 1895, Cora married Harvey Berkey at the Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, just weeks after he received his degree at the Seminary.
The couple spent many years traveling where his profession called – in Red Lion, Monongahela, Sharpsburg (Maryland), Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. After twelve years in the ministry, Harvey and Cora moved to Europe for two years as Harvey continued his education in Leipzeig, Germany. He graduated there in 1909. Returning to Pittsburgh, Reverend Berkey became President of the Pittsburgh Synod. He worked in this capacity until he retired in 1921. Cora remained equally active in a similar vein – serving alternately as the vice-president, secretary, and treasurer of the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary Association, also of the Pittsburgh Synod.
The Berkeys had no children. Cora and her husband traveled Europe, Africa, and Asia as well as over much of the United States. Upon Reverend Berkey’s retirement, the couple returned to Gettysburg, where they lived on Broadway for many years.
One of Cora’s passions was gardening. She was well known throughout the community for her beautiful roses. The Berkey home was a garden spot, with a plethora of roses and other flowers that bloomed throughout the year.
After Harvey died, Cora remained active in the Gettysburg community and especially attended events sponsored by Gettysburg College, her alma mater. She remained a tireless advocate for education and civic service until age 95.
Cora Hartman Berkey died on April 24, 1969, at age 98. She is buried beside her beloved husband in Evergreen Cemetery.
Her father’s advice had served her well.
Sources: Berkey Family File, Adams County Historical Society. Hartman Family File, ACHS. 1880 Census, Ancestry.com. Stover, Clyde B. Alumni Record of Gettysburg College, Centennial Edition: 1832-1932 Gettysburg, PA: Gettysburg College, 1932, p. 166. Many thanks to Sarah Fuss, of the Adams County Historical Society for additional information.
