USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers > Part 103
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Mr. Caldwell lived with his parents until his marriage. and for seven years was engaged in culti- vating the old family homestead. At the end of that time he moved to the farm where he is now to be found, a handsome and well appointed place of 109. acres. Mr. Caldwell has been school director for five years, and is a Republican in his political views. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church.
SAMUEL F. FOLTZ, a deputy collector in the 9th Internal Revenue District, belongs to one of the old families of Lancaster county, whose various representatives for several generations have played an important part in local affairs. He was born in Caernarvon township. Lancaster county, Aug. 3. 1859, and received his education in the public schools. When he was about twenty years old he se- cured employment in the store of Mr. Wechter. at Terrehill, where he remained about two and a half years. For another year he was engaged in farming,
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and then set himself to the carpenter's trade, at which he was engaged for a number of years.
In 1885 Mr. Foltz was elected to the office of constable, being also assessor, as the two offices were at that time associated. He filled these positions for five consecutive terms, and while in office was ap- pointed, May 15, 1890, a deputy revenue collector for the 9th District. After four years of work in that position he was ousted by a change of adminis- tration. In 1895 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of tax collector, to which, after two years' employment he was elected, continuing therein until September, 1898, when he was again appointed a deputy Revenue collector, in the same district in which he was before engaged. Here he has been re- tained to the present time, and has a very creditable record as a capable and efficient Revenue official. Mr. Foltz has served several times as a member of the Republican committee, and is recognized as one of the wheel horses of his party in the county.
Mr. Foltz belongs to the A. O. K. of M. C., and to the I. O. O. F., Terrehill Lodge, No. 454. Socially he has made many friends by his frank and endear- ing qualities.
Mr. Foltz was married, April 23, 1880, to Miss Frances S. Peters, who died in 1891, leaving two children, Lizzie V. and Percy. Mr. Foltz married, for his second wife, Dec. 24, 1893. Miss Mary L. Nelson. She belongs to the Evangelical Church.
HERMAN BOMEISLER GRIFFITHS, man- ager of Rocky Springs Park, a famous picnic resort near Lancaster, although not a native of Lancaster county, has done so much for the promotion of en- joyment and healthful amusement among the people of the city that they regard him as "one of their very own." For seven years he has had his business there, and in that time has commended himself most favorably to the local public.
James Griffiths, the father of Herman B., set- tled in Philadelphia, and was one of the early steel engravers in this country. A gentleman of much intelligence and fine physique, he was active and vigorous during a long and useful life, until his last illness, from which his death resulted Jan. 2, 1896. James Griffiths was married in early manhood to Mary Bomeisler, and by her became the father of three sons, William M., Herman B. and James A., all of whom have been amusement caterers for more than twenty years. Among the cities and towns where they have had charge of rinks, parks and other places of attraction are : Atlantic City, Oma- ha, Meriden, Richmond, Atlanta, Philadelphia, MIt. Gretna, Pa. (where H. B. Griffiths has also been in charge six years), Nishaning Falls, Pa., Wilming- ton, Sea Isle City, Cape May, Chesapeake Beach, Md., and other places of more or less importance.
Herman B. Griffiths was born in Frankford, this state, Feb. 1. 1854, and was educated in the schools of Montgomery county. At the age of seventeen years he applied himself to the calico printing busi-
ness in company with his father, at Gloucester, N. J., where he worked four years. On March 4, 1880, he was married to Sarah Emma, daughter of William and Isabella Hillborn, both natives of this State, and Quakers, of English descent. The fam- ily was reared in that faith for many generations, and Jesse G. Webster, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Griffiths, was a cousin of Daniel Webster. From this union were born two children, Isabella Hillborn and William Herman. After his marriage Mr. Griffiths began the cultivation of the paternal estate, which is now in the possession of his mother. In the spring of 1896 he took possession of Rocky Springs Park, near Lancaster, on a six years' lease, having an option on the place. This interesting park consists of forty-two acres along the pictur- esque Conestoga river, the only wooded tract any- where near the city that can be used for general pic- nic and park purposes. Two commodious steam- ers were put on the river by him for the purpose of carrying passengers to and from the Park, and he also built a dance pavilion, a large show pavilion, and a pavilion for the purpose of protecting pas- sengers while waiting for the boat, besides beautify- ing the place with exquisite flower beds, adding birds and animals to the place, building a large to- boggan, a switch back railroad, etc. He introduced electric lights for the densely shaded grounds, re- placing the coal oil torches and lamps formerly in use, and the park was so improved in every way that it soon became the great picnic resort of Lancaster, more than one hundred thousand people visting it every season. Their general and generous response to his efforts so pleased Mr. Griffiths that he has already secured ownership of one-third of the Park, and still retains his option on the remainder.
Such has been the career of one who has done so much to give the people of Lancaster a resort where the young and old, rich and poor, can spend a day or an hour in recreation at a trifling cost, and he has certainly proved himself a public benefactor.
GEORGE KINZER HOFFMEIER, who is in business with his brother, Charles Stamm Hoffmeier, under the name of Hoffmeier Brothers, dealers in furniture at No. 10 East King street. Lancaster. : 3 descended from a very old Pennsylvania family. His paternal grandfather. the well-remembered J. L. Hoffmeier, was born in Millersville, Lancaster coun- ty. The progenitor of the family in this country came from Germany. J. L. Hoffmeier was for years clerk of the Lancaster county prison, filling that office with rare ability.
Amos K. Hoffmeier, father of the Hoffmeier Brothers, was also a furniture dealer in East King street for many years, and was the inventor of some very excellent devices in furniture. He died in 1894. His widow, MIrs. Mary (Stamm) Hoffmeier, be- longs to a very old family and is a sister of Frederick Stamm, who attained considerable fame as an in- ventor. The surviving children of Mr. and Mrs.
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Hoffmeier are as follows: George K. and Charles S. constitute the firm noted above. Mary Grace is the wife of Prof. Thaddeus G. Helm, principal of Franklin and Marshall Academy. Lancaster. Her- bert Miller is one of the assistant superintendents of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Lan- caster. Two children have passed away.
· George K. Hoffmeier was born in Lancaster Dec. 13, 1861. received his education in the city schools. after which he was employed in his father's estab- lishment for two years, when he became manager of the telephone service in the city and county. This position he held for four years. For three years he had charge of the telephone department of the fire insurance patrol in Philadelphia. In July, 1886 he came back to Lancaster to take a position in his fa- ther's store, which he held until 1889, when. in com- pany with his brother Charles, he embarked in his present enterprise.
Mr. Hoffmeier was married. Nov. 14. 1889. to Miss Emma D. Stauffer, a daughter of the late Mar- tin Stauffer, of Gap, who had retired from active business some years before his death. Mr. Hoff- meier belongs to St. Paul's Reformed Church, and to the Artisans. He and his wife live in a charming home at No. 26 Chester street.
CHARLES STAMM HOFFMEIER, of the firm of Hoffmeier Brothers, was born in Lancaster, Aug. 21, 1864. He attended the public schools until he reached the high school, which he left to enter his father's store, which was only a few doors from the magnificent establishment of which he is now one of the proprietors. There he remained until 1889. when the firm of Hoffmeier Brothers became a reality and began the successful business which is still conducted at the present stand. For some years they conducted their business on the second and third floors. After taking possession of the first floor of the building the business seemed to grow to amazing proportions. In 1901 an addition was built-a five- story building, thus giving a depth of 230 icet from East King street ; it is one of the finest furniture es -. tablishments in the State.
Mr. Hoffmeier was married. May 22. 1889, to Miss Helen N. Bidwell. daughter of the late Solo- mon Bidwell. an inventor, of Philadelphia. To this union were born Rhea Charlotta and Helen Louise. The very cozy home of the family is at No. 22 Ches- 1er street: Mr. Hoffmeier is a member of St. Paul's Reformed Church. He is one of the charter mem- bers of the Young Republicans. The brothers are energetic and capable men, and no firm in the city enjoys the confidence of the people in a more marked degree.
B. Z. HESS, of Fulton township, is among the best and most favorably known citizens of the vicin- ity in which he resides. He was born in Pequea township, Lancaster county, April 5, 1858, and is a member of one of the oldest families of the county. being a son of Abraham M. and Annie (Zeigler)
Hess, both natives of Lancaster county. The fa- ther is still residing in Pequea township. at the ripe old age of seventy-two years.
Abraham Hess, grandfather of B. Z., was also born in Pequea township. He was the father of six children : Barbara, Elizabeth, Annie, Maria, Susan and Abraham M. The family adhered to the old Dunkard religion, and in politics the men were for the most part Whigs and later Republicans.
Abraham Hess was married (first) in 1850 to a Miss Hess, who. however, bore no relationship to his family before her marriage. They had one child. who died in infancy, the mother soon after following it to the grave. In 1855 Mr. Hess married ( secondi ) Miss Anna Zeigler, of an old Lancaster county fam- ily. and they had a family of seven children: Con- rad is a farmer in Pequea township; B. Z. is men- tioned below : Abraham A. is a farmer in Donegal township; Noah is a farmer of Pequea township : Martha is the wife of Parris Engle, of Columbia, Pa. ; and Ezra and Elsie died in childhood. Mr. Hess lost his second wife by death. and married (third ) Barbara Herr, of Manor township, by whom he has had four children : Annie is the wife of Jacob G. Mann, of Manor township : Enos resides in Virginia; Barbara died in infancy; and Elizabeth remains at home.
B. Z. Hess was reared on the home farm, receiv- ing a common-school education. On May 17. 1882. he married Barbara, daughter of Henry and Susan ( Buckwalter) Warfel, of an old family of Lancaster county. Two children have come to Mr. and Mrs. Hess: Susan A., born Nov. 1, 1884, and Barbara. born Oct. 21, 1893, both residing at home. The mother, Mrs. Hess, was born Dec. 8. 1861.
Mr. Hess chose farming for his life vocation, and though he started out in moderate circunstances he is to-day the owner of a fine farm of 231 acres, with first class improvements. Mr. Hess is a Baptist in religious belief, and in politics is a member of the Republican party. He is one of the best known men in the southern part of Lane .ster county, and is al- ways associated with any movement whose object is the betterment of the co .nunity in which he lives.
GEORGE ARME' LANE. The immediate s ancestors of George /' .ent Lane were Thomas and
Susanna (Graham ) ™ .e, the former of whom passed out of life at the ho ._ of his son on March 1. 1884. in the sixty-seventh year of his age. His occupation through a busy li had been that of carpenter and cabinetmaker, w ch business he followed in Para- dise township, ere he lived and died respected hy all who knew him. His widow still survives, at the age of eighty years, and makes her home with her only child. George Arment Lane. The grandpar- ents of Mr. Lane were Robert and Elizabeth (Ar- ment) Lane, and Edward and Fanny Graham, the latter having been born of Scotch-Irish parents from the North of Ireland. who later settled in Harris- town, Paradise township, this county.
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George Arment Lane was born. Nov. 5, 1853, in Harristown, and obtained his education in the public schools. His opportunities were limited by lack of means, and at the age of fifteen years he decided that he would adopt teaching as a step in the career marked out for himself. As the law declared that no teacher under the age of seventeen was entitled to remuneration, he was obliged to consider his work in the light of practice, as he received no pay, al- though he secured a school before he was sixteen years of age. For seven years he followed the pro- fession of teaching, at the same time adding to his own knowledge in preparation for the career he had planned for himself.
In 1876. Mr. Lane came to Lancaster city in order to engage in the study of law. He entered the office of the late Philip D. Baker, Esq., and was ad- mitted to the Bar April 28. 1878. He entered the arena of politics, and was chosen County Solicitor, i being elected for a second term, and serving six years in that responsible office, from 1880 to 1894. In 1895 he was elected District Attorney of Lancaster county, his terin of office extending through 1896, 1807, 1898. The period during which Mr. Lane was District Attorney of Lancaster county was important in the annals of that county. Many important cases were tried by him. It was during his term of office that Raiph Wireback was convicted of the murder of D. B. Landis and executed, being the first to re- ceive the extrane penalty of the law in this county Jacob Myers was born in Eden township in March, 1798, and there married Susan McMichael, who was born in 1819. She was a daughter of Will- iam and Anna MeMichael, the MeMichael family being well known in the pioneer annals of the county. since 18:8. Bertha McConnell was convicted of attempted murder, and served her time : Jerry Green, colored, was convicted of murder in the second de- gree for killing his half-brother, and was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment ; and young Leipold. jacob Myers settled on his father's oki homestead whose forgeries of the name of a millionaire attracted : after the death of the father, and there lived until attention all over the State, was sent to the Hunting- don Reformatory efter Mr. Lane had convicted him. These are some of the most noted cases out of nearly three thousand disposed of during his term.
Mr. Lane was elected to the Lancaster School Board from the Sixth. ward for six years, during a greater part of this tin being chairman of the com- mittee on Finance. Th position he resigned when he became District Atte ey. the offices being in- compatible.
Mr. Lane was marrico 188t, to Miss Annie Fulton, a daughter of Jan. 'nd Rosanna Fulton. of Parkesburg, who was prin il of the Parkesburg schools at the time of her mar. age. Four children were born to this union, two whom survive: Anna May, of the class of 1902 Millersville State Normal School, who possesses n ical talent, and is a piano pupil of Prof. George Beakert ; and James Thomas, a grammar school lad of twelve years, who is also gifted in music, being a violin pupil of Prof. Carl Thorbahn, more extended mention of whom may be found elsewhere.
Mr. Lane is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, and was the superintendent of the Sunday-school for nine years. Fraternally he
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is a member of Herschel Lodge, No. 123. I. O. O. F., and of Lancaster Council, No. 912. Jr. O. U. A. M.
Mr. Lane is a self-made man. He is a genia !. kind-hearted gentleman, and his friends in Lancaster county are many, as is evidenced by the support he received when a candidate for political office.
ABRAHAM MYERS. The Myers family, which is now scattered until there are members in almost every State of the Union, originated in Switzerland, from which country came John Myers. who founded the American branch of the family, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Taking part in the Revolutionary war, he became thoroughly identified with the progress and development of the United States, particularly Pennsylvania. where he found a comfortable home and a warm welcome from the pioneers who were then settling in the forests of Lancaster county. John Myers settled in Eden township, cleared up a tract of wild land and con- verted it into a fine estate, leaving a good property to his children, who were: Henry, of Eden town- ship; john. of Eden; Frederick; David: Benjamin, who died in young manhood; Sophia, who died un- married: Betsey, who married John Fickinger; Susan, who married William Pearson, of Eden : Salle, who married Harry Rowiskey; Mary, who died on the old home place, unmarried; and Jacob, father of Abraham Myers.
1 his death. in 18-9, at the age of eighty years. His twelve children were: Lydia, Malinda, Eliza. and one son died in childhood. Christian, born March 28. 1835, married Miss Ella Pickle, of Lancaster coun- ty, and settled on one of his father's farms. where he died in November, 1898, leaving a widow. who resides on the farm with her three children, George, Ada, and Clara. Abraham is mentioned below. Lavina, born at the old home in 1838. is the wife of John Carmahan, of this county, and they reside om his farm in Eden township; their two children are Harry J. and Susan. Benjamin, born in Eden town- ship in 1845, married Mary McElhaney, and they reside on his farm near the old homestead ; they have no family. Amanda, born in 1850, is the wife of Wilson W. Jackson, and they reside in Eden town- ship : they have no family. Emeline. born in 1856. is the wife of Sylvester Aulthouse, and they reside on his fine farm in Sadsbury township; their three children are Lydia, Susan and Ruth. Elizabeth. born in 1858, married Lewis Irvin, who resides in Eden township, his farm being located there, and they have three children, Jessie. Charles, and May. Eliza, born in the old homestead, married Christian Mowrer, and they reside on his estate in Colerain
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township; their four children are Ida, Amanda, John and Chester.
The old homestead was the home of Abraham Myers for some years after his marriage. His edu- cation was acquired in the common schools of his district. Reared a farmer boy, he has continued in agricultural pursuits all his life, making farming his life work. On Dec. 22, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Jemima C. E. Herr, daughter of John and Margaret ( Ralston) Herr, who was born Jan. II, 1850, in Eden township, received an excellent common-school education, and by a careful mother was thoroughly instructed in housewifely ways. Her family is prominent in the religious an- nals of the county and State, as well as in business and social circles.
For four years after his marriage, Mr. Myers and his family lived on the old homestead farm, and then he purchased what is locally known as the John Basler farm, in Eden township, where he and family have resided until the present date (some twenty years). Mr. Myers has done much improving here, in the way of rebuilding, remodeling, and fencing, and has now the satisfaction of owning one of the most attractive, valuable and productive farms in a county which is noted for its handsome homes.
The two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers are : (1) John A., born Oct. 1, 1875, received his primary education in the district schools, and later became an ambitious student in the Millersville Normal School, from which great institution he graduated with honor in the class of 1898; during the next year, at the same institution, he took advanced work in lan- guages and higher mathematics, since which time he has followed the profession of teacher during the winter months, being acceptable through the whole county, where he is considered one of the most prom- ising young men of the community. During the sum- mers he engages in carpenter work, and many of the very attractive and convenient buildings on the home farm are testimonials to his skill in that trade, as well as a number of creditable achievements in the machinist's line : he is now employed as a traveling machinist by the Plano Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, Ill. (2) C. William was born at the old home in December, 1878, also attended the dis- trict schools in boyhood, and later became a student in the Millersville Normal School. Both sons re- flect great credit upon their parents and their home training, and are respected through the community.
In politics Mr. Myers has been a lifelong Demo- crat, and his sons are no less stanch in their Democ- racy, believing the principles advanced by that party to be the best for the country. But Mr. Myers is no politician, and invariably refuses to accept office. Brought up in the Lutheran Church, he has never departed from its teachings. He is well and favor- ably known throughout his part of the county, and well represents the honorable ancestry from which he sprung. His life has been devoted to the farming interests of the community, his early training on the
pioneer farm giving him a thorough knowledge of methods of work and the possibilities of different kinds of land. As a neighbor and citizen his sterling character has been recognized, and in the highest degree he enjoys the esteem of his loyality, his neigh- bors and business associates uniting in their judg- ment of him as an honest man and a fit representative of the community.
GEORGE R. HEISEY, attorney at law and certified public accountant, was born in East Done- gal township, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.
Eli Z. and Annie H. (Reich) Heisey, his par- ents, were natives of East Donegal township. Eli Z. Heisey was a farmer, and followed that calling until his death, April 2. 1893. Annie H. Heisey, his wife, died June 15, 1898. They were the parents of five children : Eleanor, who died in infancy; George R. : Ethelbert R., teller of the First National Bank of Marietta, Pa ; and Jacob Z. and Annie MI., both of whom died in infancy. The paternal grand- parents were Christian and Martha ( Zigler ) Heisey, of East Donegal. The maternal grandparents were Dr. George and Mary (Long) Reich.
George R. Heisey was educated at Schuylkill Seminary, Palms National Business College, and Close & Black's School of Shorthand. He followed the profession of public accounting until April, 1901, when he was admitted to the Lancaster Bar, and has since practiced law. Ile is the managing director of the Pennsylvania State Building & Loan Associa- tion of Lancaster, Pa., and a member of the Pennsyl- vania State Examining Board of Expert Account- ants.
In August, 1891, Mr. Heisey was united in mar . riage at Marietta with Mary A. Steacy, a daughter of George S. Steacy, who is mentioned below. No children have come to this union. Mr. Heisey is a Republican in politics.
GEORGE S. STEACY, father of Mrs. George R. Heisey, was born in Strasburg, Lancaster county, and died in 1874, on his farm in East Donegal town- ship, three miles from Marietta. His parents, John and Sarah Steacy, had eight children, viz .: John, William and Edward, deceased; Sarah, widow of Rev. Mr. Atmore ; Grace, Mrs. Connard, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Rev. John Edward ; Mary, deceased wife of Rev. Mr. Bishop; and George S.
George S. Steacy was married in Marietta, in 1856, to Miss Margaret A. Stahl, and to this union were born the following named children: Emma, who died young: Mary A., wife of George R. Heisey ; William, a carpenter in Fresno, Cal. ; and George S., a mechanic in York, Pa. Mrs. Margaret A. (Stahl) Steacy was born in Marietta, daughter of Jacob and Agnes (Park) Stahl. of Lancaster. Jacob Stahl was a lumberman in early and middle life, but lived in retirement in Marietta for many years prior to his death, which took place in 1882. when he was eighty-two years of age; his widow
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
survived until 1890, dying at the age of eighty-seven. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Stahl was an ekler for more than thirty- five years. Their four children were George W., deceased ; Mary J., widow of A. N. Cassel, of Mari- etta : Margaret A., widow of George S. Steacy ; and Miranda, wife of J. H. Grove, M. D., of Philadel- phia. The grandfather of Mrs. Margaret A. Steacy on the paternal side was John Stahl, of Lancaster, and her maternal grandparents were James and Mark (McWicker) Park, also of this county.
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