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 16
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.::. late Henry Deitrich Groff. The Zahms came to America in 1730, from Herrnhut, Saxony, set- tiing in Montgomery county, Maryland.
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Henry Zahm Rhoads was educated in the public schools of Lancaster, and, after leaving school, was engaged for a time at daguerreotyping, modern pho- tography not having been known at that time. After this he became an apprentice to the jewelry business with Zahm & Jackson, and later, to perfect him- self in watchmaking, served an apprenticeship with Theodore Wolf. He next went to Virginia, working as a journeyman jeweler and watchmaker until the war broke out, when he returned to Lancaster. On Oct. 12, 1861, Mr. Rhoads began the jewelry busi- ness on the north side of West King street, in part- nership with C. J. Gillespie, and nine months later bought Mr. Gillespie's interest. His next venture was in 1868, when, in partnership with his brother, Charles, he bought the old "Lamb Hotel," on the south side of West King street, and in 1869, H. Z. Rhoads & Bro. left the original stand on the opposite side of the street and removed to the old "Lamb Tavern" property, which they had converted into a modern store, and here Mr. Rhoads erected the first public clock ( besides the courthouse clock) in the city. The property is now occupied by Metz- ger & Haughman, drv-goods merchants. After a .time Mr. Rhoads built the elegant and substantial structure, now known as Nos. 4 and 6 West King street, and there the second public clock was erected, : the third being in Centre Square. Charles God- fried Rhoads, his brother, became a partner in the business in 1865, and remained as such until his : death, in 1882. Henry Z. Rhoads continued the business until 1896, when he retired, yet he did not retire from active pursuits, having since become interested in the business of the Lancaster Silver Plate Company, in partnership with Albert Rosen- stein. He was also one of the promoters of the Conestoga Fire Insurance Company, of which he is the present secretarv, and which began busi- ness in August, 1897; although organized as a mutual company, it changed to a stock concern, and has already ( 1902) written over $2.000,000 of insurance. Mr. Rhoads has also been considerable of a builder, having erected twenty fine dwelling- houses in the Eighth ward, and owning the ground for many more. In the summer of 1901 he added to his building operations by erecting an elegant home for himself on South Prince street, the house being fashioned after a Parisian model. While in the jewelry and art business Mr. Rhoads visited Europe five times, bringing over such treasures in jewels and art goods as were never before (nor since) offered to Lancaster purchasers in. the home market.
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Twice the Dernocrats of the Eighth ward have elected Mr. Rhoads a member of the board of school directors, and he proved as industrious and intelli- gent in the direction of school matters as he did in his own affairs.
Mr. Rhoads was married. in young manhood. to Miss Anastasia McConomy, daughter of the late Peter McConomy, one of Lancaster s most promi- nent citizens, and who was for twenty-nine years treasurer of the Lancaster school board. Two chil- dren were born of this union: Rebecca, who was the wife of Dr. W. H. Lowell but who entered into rest in 1893; and Godfried Zahm, connected with the Lancaster Silver Plate Company.
SAMUEL MARTIN. One of the very pros- perous general farmers of Salisbury township, Lan- caster county, is Samuel Martin, who was born Jan. 29, 1855, on the homestead which is still his resi- dence. His parents Joseph and Magdelena ( Ober- holtzer) Martin, were born in Salisbury and Cocal- ico townships, respectively. Joseph Martin engaged in farming in his native township until 1876, when he retired from active iife, but he retained his home on the farm until the spring of 1892, when he moved to Bareville, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying Sept. 19, 1900, at the age of seventy-six years; his wife died in 1869, when she was forty years old. Both parents were devout members of the Mennonite Church, and the remains of the mother were interred in Hershey's cemetery, and those of the father in Groffdale. Their cleven children were born in the following order: Elizabeth, wife of John Keaner, a farmer of Strasburg: Magdalena, deceased wife of Elam Landis; Anna, widow of Benjamin Brackbill; Samuel, whose name opens this biography: Abraham, deceased: one that died in infancy ; Joseph, Henry. Isaac and David, all de- ceased ; and another that died in infancy. Susanna, a step sister of these children, is also deceased.
Samuel Martin has passed his entire life on this farm, which by inheritance is now his own, and which comprises 101 acres. He has improved the place in many respects over its former conditions, and keeps it under a high state of cultivation, being familiar with all its details and capabilities, and be- ing himself thoroughly trained to agriculture. His success, however, is greatly due to his own industry and good management, and it is doubtful whether or no there is a farm of its size in the township more productive, or which presents to the eye of the passer- Dy a more pleasing ideal of rustic beauty, or agri- cultural thrift.
On Nov. 19. 1876, Samuel Martin was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Landis, at New Hol- land. Lancaster county, and of whose genealogy something additional will be said. This union was blessed with sixteen children, namely: Mary, who is the wife of Martin Weaver, a farmer in Earl town- ship, and has three children : Hettie, deceased ; Liz- zie, Abraham and Mettie, still at home; Lydia, de- ceased ; Emma, at home; Landis, deceased ; Aman- da, Anna, Samuel, Jr., and Katie, also at home ; Amos, deceased ; Ella, deceased ; and Ada and Jo- seph, still under the parental roof.
Mrs. Amanda (Landis) Martin was born in Lea-
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cock township, Lancaster county, Sept. 22, 1855, a daughter of Levi and Mary ( Buckwalter) Landis. the former of whom was a son of Christian and Mary (Landis) Landis, and the latter a daughter of Abraham and Esther (Hoover) Buckwalter, both families being prominent and greatly respected farm- ing people of Lancaster county, and residing in Eden and Upper Leacock townships, respectively. Levi Landis was called from earth Dec. 14, 1897, at the age of seventy-one years. In religious belief he was a Mennonite, and was buried in Hershey's cemetery. His widow, who was born May 27, 1825, has her home on the same farm with her son-in-law, Mr. Martin. To Levi and Mary Landis were born six children, namely: Elam, a farmer in Earl town- ship : Hettie A., deceased wife of David Groff ; Amanda, now Mrs. Samuel Martin : Emma, Anna M. and Lydia, at home.
Samuel Martin is the owner of as fine a farm as there is in Salisbury township, and his skillful man- agement keeps it fully up to the standard. He has ever been industrious and thrifty, upright and pub- lic-spirited, and ready at all times to contribute his share toward the promotion of such public works as may result in the benefit of the neighborhood in which he lives. He is a member of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Republican, and is uni- versally honored as a citizen.
SAMUEL L. CARPENTER. Prominently identified with the development and growth of Lan- caster county for a number of years, the name of Carpenter has become associated in the public mind with uprightness of character, and honest and ener- getic business methods. The original founder of this family was Henry Carpenter, who came from the Canton of Berne, Switzerland, and settled at Germantown, Pa., as carly as 1608. In 1700. he re- turned to his native land, and there married Salome Ruffner, of the Canton of Zurich, and in 1706, with his wife and two small sons. Emanuel and Gabriel. four and two years of age, respectively, returned to Germantown. In 1717 he removed to Lancaster county, settling first in West Lampeter, but subse- quently in West Earl. His birth occurred in 1675, and his death between 1743 and 1748. The children born to the emigrant founder of the family were: Emanuel, born in 1702; Gabriel, born in 1704:, Sa- lome ; Dr. Henry : Christian : Daniel ; Mary : and Ja- cob. During the war of the Revolution, Emanuel Carpenter was a member of the Committee of Safety.
Gabriel Carpenter married Apalina Herman, who 'was born in 1702, and died in 1767, and their children were: Christian. Salome, Jacob, Cath- erine, Susannah, Daniel. John, Mary and Elizabeth.
Christian Carpenter was born in 1729, and died in 1800. He married Susan Herr, and their chil- dren were: Jacob, who became colonel of the 5th Battalion of the Lancaster county militia, during the Revolutionary war : Joel ; Daniel : Catherine ; Susan ; John : Christian ; Salome ; and Nancy.
Joel Carpenter, the second son of Chris- tian and Susan ( Herr) Carpenter, was born in 1758. He married Margaret Defenderfer an l reared these children : Ephraim. Miles, Giles. Aaron, Allen, Charles. Bryan, Elizabeth, Susan, So- phia, Esther and Catherine.
Giles Carpenter, the third son of Joel and of the fifth generation in America, married Jane MIcCiin- tick, and they had these children: Amanda, born Oct. 27, 1832, married Solomon Weaver, but is de- ceased : Margaret, born June 20. 1834, married Philip Lash, and they now reside in Michigan ; James J .. born Jan. 18. 1837, is deceased ; Martha, born Jan. 16, 1839. married Isaac Beard, and resides in Illinois: Belinda. born Feb. 3, 1840, married Amos Sellers, and they reside in Lancaster county ; Alvin, born Aug. 21, 1841, married Ellen Fees, and they reside in Beavertown : Arabella, born March 16. 1843, married Adam Good, a resident of Farmers- ville, but she has passed away ; and Samuel L. is the subject of this biography.
Samuel L. Carpenter was born Oct. 1. 1844, and very early became accustomed to the duties pertain- ing to farm life, at the age of eight years being hired out to a neighboring farmer by the name of John Oberholtzer. His duties were such as a lad of his age could perform, and he was paid $1.50 per month. these conditions continuing until he was seventeen years old, the summers being filled with farm work, and the winters with attendance at the district school. So well did Mr. Carpenter embrace every opportunity for acquiring an education, that before he was eighteen he was employed to teach in the pub- lic schools of West Earl township. continuing until he entered the Construction Corps of the United States army. where he remained for six months. As soon as he had become of age, he enlisted in the 21st P. V. C., and with the Army of the Potomac bravely did a soldier's duty : he participated in the cam- paigns before Richmond and Petersburg, and at the close of the war received an honorable discharge.
Returning then to his home, Mr. Carpenter again took up his professional work during the winters, following the carpenter trade in the summer time. but in 1872 he opened up a butchering business and pursued that until 1876. when he entered into his present line. that of hides and tallow. Possessing excellent business ability, Mr. Carpenter has dealt successfully in live stock for the past twenty years. still continuing in this profitable line. with head- quarters at the "Leopard Hotel," in Lancaster.
On Sept. 5. 1869. Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Mary McCloud, a daughter of Reuben and Susannah (Shirker) McCloud, of West Earl town- ship, and one child was born of this union, Stella I .. born March 8. 1871, who married Lemon Shirk, of West Cocalico township. and has one son, Samuel Carpenter, the idol of his grandfather, born Dec. 13, 1899.
Mr. Carpenter has never taken any great inter- est in politics, but was appointed census enumerator,
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in 1870, and was re-appointed in 1880, but refused to qualify. For a number of years he has been town- ship auditor and school director, and has always been interested in all matters pertaining to the ad- vancement of his section. Although he began life in indigent circumstances, Mr. Carpenter is not dis- posed to consider that any disadvantage to an indus- trious, ambitious and energetic young man. As one of the wealthiest men of the township, he is in a posi- tion to speak with knowledge, and he attributes his universal success in all his undertakings, to his close and constant attention to business and the exercise of good judgment. The township has in many ways profited by his generosity, and he stands high in its esteem. Both Mr. Carpenter and wife are con- sistent members of the New Mennonite Church.
CHRISTIAN B. STOLTZFUS is a descendant of a family long settled in America, his first ancestor in this country, Nicholas Stoltzfus, coming in 1766 from his native place, Zweibruecken, Germany, and settling near Reading, in Berks county. Pa. His wife had died in Germany, and he brought with him his four children, one son. Christian (then aged eighteen years), and three daughters. He took up his home on a farm near Reading, and devoted his life to its cultivation.
Christian Stoltzfus first married a woman named Garver, by whom he had three children, John, Jacob and Christian, all of whom lived and died in the neighborhood, and were buried in the Mover grave- yard, excepting the mother, whose remains were in- terred near Reading. Christian Stoltzfus married for his second wife the widow Lanz, whose maiden name was King; she had by her first husband two children, John and Samuel. To her marriage with Christian Stoltzfus were born: Abraham, David, Solomon, Catherine, Elizabeth, Anna, Barbara, Es- ther and Magdalina, all of whom were buried in the Mill Creek burying-ground. After his second mar- riage Christian Stoltzfus came into Lancaster coun- ty, and settled near Rissler's Mill, where he owned large tracts of land, and was a life-long farmer. He was one of the first Amish ministers to settle in that part of the State, becoming one of the bishops of that church, and lived to attain a great age.
Christian Stoltzfus, noted above, was born in Berks county, and when but a young lad came with his parents into Lancaster county, where he lived all his days. He followed farming, and proved himself a most industrious and upright man, and was well known, especially in the Amish Church, of which he was a zealous and devout member. Mr. Stoltzfus married Anna Blank, by whom he had a family of three sons and six daughters, Samuel, Christian, John, Catherine, Rebecca, Anna, Barbara, Elizabeth and Susanna.
Samuel Stoltzfus, the father of Christian B., whose name introduces this article, was born in 1812. and was a lifelong farmer, locating on a ninety- acre farm in Earl township, about a half mile north
of New Holland, where he lived for many years. Later in life he bought another farm of eighty-five acres. half a mile west of the old place, where he spent the rest of his life, dying April 25, 1883. He was a devout member of the Amish Church.
Mr. Stoltzius married Miss Elizabeth Biler, a daughter of David Biler, whose home was near Rauck's Station, in East Lampeter township. She (lied in 1860, at the age of forty-five years. six months. twenty-three days. They had the following children : Benjamin, a retired farmer, whose home is in Berks county; David, deceased ; Anna. de- ceased, who married David Umble: Jacob, a farmer in East Earl township: Samuel, deceased : Christian B. : Simeon, deceased ; and Susannah and Rebecca. both unmarried, who make their home with their brother Christian B .. on the farm about a half mile north of New Holland.
Christian B. Stoltzius was born Dec. 24, 1843, and was reared on the farm where he was born. in Earl township, receiving his education in the com- mon schools. For the last thirty years he has been farming for himself, and now owns one of the fine farms of the county. It comprises seventy-five acres, on which he has erected a good farm residence, and also a commodious frame barn. Many other valu- able improvements have been effected by him, and every foot of ground indicates active and intense farming. Mr. Stoltzfus is a broad-minded and pro- gressive man, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to anything that looks to the public good. He belongs to the Amish Church.
AARON H. SHANK. a general farmer in West Donegal township, was born in the township in which he is living. June 7. 1844, and is a son of Mi- chael and Catherine (Heisev) Shank, both natives and lifelong residents of West Donegal township. The father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon of high standing. For many years he was school di- rector. Ile died Jan. 18. 1870, at the age of seventy- one years and the mother died in Feb .. 1893, at the age of ninety-one years. Their remains are resting in a private burying ground on their old homestead. They were members of the Mennonite Church, and had the following children: Susan, who died in infancy: Mary and Henry, deceased; Catherine, who died single, at the age of sixty years ; Elizabeth, deceased, who married Martin Winters: Anna, the wife of David H. Meyers, a farmer in West Donegal township : Jonathan, who died young; Rachel, who died unmarried, at the age of fifty-six years : Jacob, a farmer in West Donegal township; Aaron H., whose name appears above : Samuel, who died at the age of thirty years, and John, who died young.
Jacob Shank, the paternal grandfather of Aaron H., spent his life in Lancaster county. Henry and Susan ( Berk) Heisey, the parents of Mrs. Catherine Shank, were natives of Lancaster county.
Aaron Shank and Mary A. Barnhart were mar- ried Aug. IT, 1867, in Elizabethtown, and became
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the parents of the following children: Samuel, who lives in Florin, Pa., married Sadie Shires, and is the father of three children, Lizzie ( deceased ). Marv and Ruth. Katie is the widow of Abraham G. Nissley, and makes her home with her parents, bringing back with her two children. Paul (now dead ) and Clarence : Irvin and Phares, both at home. Mrs. Mary A. Shank was born in West Donegal township, and is a daughter of Samuel and Eliza- beth ( Eshleman) Barnhart, both born in West Don- egal township. Her father, who was born Oct. 27. IS21, retired from farming shortly after the death of his wife, who died April 13. ISoo, and was buried in Mt. Tunnel cemetery. They were both members of the Mennonite Church, and had the following chil- dren : Lizzie, who died in infancy; Mrs. Mary A. Shank : Lovina, who married Cyrus Schroll, a resi- dent of East Donegal township; Uriah, deceased. and Louisa, who married William Geibe, and lives in Dauphin county, where he is engaged in farming.
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The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Shank were John and Susan (Sherbone) Barnhart, both natives of Lancaster county. Her maternal grandparents were Michael and Polly ( Hess) Eshleman, of Lan- caster county.
Aaron H. Shank remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years. when he bought a farm in Mt. Jov township. On that place he made his home until 1896, when he came to his present location. His hard working habits and strict integ- rity, together with his genial disposition and kindly nature have won him the respect and confidence of the public to a marked degree. For two years he served as supervisor, and his judgment on public affairs is regarded as worthy of close attention. Mr. and Mrs. Shank are members of the Mennonite Church ; in politics, he is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. WENTZ, one of the leading and representative citizens of Martic township, was born there March 16, 1844, son of William G. and Han- nah (Penny) Wentz, of Lancaster county.
William G. Wentz, the father, was born in 1812, and died in 1871. He was a son of Joseph Wentz. of German origin, who had these children : John, Isaac, William, David. Thomas, Joseph, Matilda, Sarah, Susan and Maria. all deceased except Thomas and Maria. William G. Wentz married Hannah M. Penny, in 1836. and they had a family of six children, three of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mary M., the widow of Elias Aument, of Greene, Pa .; Isaac J., of Harrisburg ; William. of this sketch. William G. Wentz was one of the lead- ing citizens of his township and very acceptably filled a number of the local offices.
William H. Wentz of this sketch was reared to farming life, and attended the public schools. He has always taken a great interest in agricultural mat- ters and is justly regarded as one of the best farmers of this locality. In politics he is a sound Repub- lican. In 1900 he was made census enumerator, ful-
filling his duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. For eighteen years he has served as school director, holding the office of secretary the whole time, and has been interested in all legislation looking to the advancement of education.
On Sept. 12, 1872, Mr. Wentz was married to Miss Louisa A. Yost, born in 1851. daughter of Charles K. Yost and sister of Dr. John F. Yost, of Bethesda, Pa. (An extended mention of the Yost family will be found in another part of this volume ). To this marriage were born three children. namely: Walter G., who died in childhood : Charles Elvin, born Oct. 14, IS,6, residing in Martic township, un- married, and Leiia E., at home.
Mr. Wentz and family belong to the Methodist Church in Bethesda, in which he is both trustee and steward. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias at Rawlinsville, and the Knights of the Mystic Chain, at Mit. Nebo. He is known in his neighborhood for his integrity and upright- ness of character, and his personal qualities make Į him esteemed as a neighbor, friend, husband and father.
PHILIP LEBZELTER. Among the promti- nent men of Lancaster who have materially assisted in its growth as an industrial center is Philip Leb- zelter, proprietor of the Eagle Wheel & Bending Works of that city, and who, although he has reached the age of seventy-three years, is still quite capable of taking active interest in the business which he founded in 1856.
Mr. Lebzelter was born March 9, 1829, in Neu- lautern, Wurtemberg, Germany, son of John and Catherine (Roeser) Lebzelter, both of whom were natives of Germany, where their whole lives were spent. John Lebzelter was a man of prominence in his native community, and for twenty-four years was the burgomaster of the village. By trade he was a woodturner. His death occurred in 1864. at the age of eighty-four years, and that of his wife in 1854, at the age of fifty-eight years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Of their seven- teen children we have record of the following : Han- nah, who is the widow of Jacob Woerner, a farmer living near Tremont, Ill .; Christian, who died in Germany; Elizabeth, deceased, Mrs. Kline: Wil- helm, deceased, who was a skilled wood worker, and had a family of fourteen children ; J. Philip, whose name opens this sketch; Philopena, who married Albert Hoch, deceased, a prominent man in his na- tive town in Germany; and Catherine, who married John Shlippf, a farmer in Germany.
Philip Lebzelter served an apprenticeship with his father and thoroughly learned the business of woodturning. On June 22, 1849, with his brother, Wilhelm, he left Antwerp, and after a voyage of thirty-eight days landed in New York. They went to relatives in Pennsylvania, but not finding work there nor in the German settlement in Lehigh and Berks counties, Philip walked to Reading, F2.
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W. F. Lebzeiten
Philip Vedgeller
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There he found employment on the Muhlenburg . trade, and carried on that business in Lancas- farm, at $4 per month, but his faithful services were . ter, and when he retired from activity he moved to Reading, where his last years were spent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lebzelter were: Katie, Frank and Emma all died young. William, born Nov. 11, 1866, is now the manager of his fa- ther's large plant; in ISgo he married, in Little Falls, N. J., Miss Emma V. Hoff, by whom he has two children. Florence B. and Marian K. Charles, born Jan. 12, 1869, was killed while coasting in Reading, Pa., and buried on his twelfth birthday. recognized, and he was paid at the rate of $5 a month. Going from there to Reamstown, he was employed by Jolin Killiam in his woodturning shop for a short time. In the meantime his brother Will- iam had been successful in the same line of work in Allegheny, Pa., and had written Philip to join him, which he did, working in the same shop where An- . drew Carnegie was once the 'assistant engineer. This shop was owned by John Hay, and when he died it was bought by William Lebzelter, the price being $1,400. The business prospered during his life, and after William's death his widow attempted to carry it on, but owing to other duties she could not give it necessary attention, and to relieve her Philip Lebzelter bought it. He soon found that his business interests in Lancaster would suffer, and he was obliged to dispose of it.
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