Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers, Part 17

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers
Number of Pages: 1186

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 17

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In politics Mr. Lebzelter is a stanch member of the Republican party, but with the exception of six years of service in the city council he has never ac- cepted office, although his peculiar fitness for posi- tions of trust and responsibility has long been recog- nized. Many very flattering offers have been made him, to induce him to connect himself with various financial institutions, but he has confined himself in a general way to his industrial plant and to real- estate transactions. He is a large property owner in various parts of the city of Lancaster, among his valuable holdings being the "Bridgeport Hotel,' in East End Park, the "Schiller Hotel," in Lancas- ter, and the "American House," the latter being re- garded as one of the two leading hotels in the city, a most desirable and remunerative property.

From childhood Mr. Lebzelter has been a men- ber of the Lutheran Church, and he is a liberal supporter of all its charitable and benevolent enter- prises. He is well and favorably known in the city. His English education was obtained by attending night school, Hon. J. B. Livingston, then a young lawyer and now president judge, being his teacher. A thorough business man, an excellent financier, scrupulously honest at all times, ambitious and en- ergetic all his life, Mr. Lebzelter has accumulated large means through his own industry, and while so doing has won and retained the esteem of his fellow-citizens.

JAMES W. FITLER, a well-known conductor on the Pennsylvania railroad, now residing in Co- lumbia, was born in Marietta, Lancaster Co., Pa., April 27, 1843, and is a son of John K. and Rosina M. (Trainer) Fitler, the former a native of Fitler's Green (now Neffsville), and the latter of Columbia," both in Lancaster county. The family name was originally Fidler, but was changed by a school- teacher, named Rankin, two generations back. The grandfather of James W., Leonard Fidler, founded Fidler's Green in 1807, a village in which he built two hotels.

John K. Fitler was a carpenter, was a brewer for Scheide in Marietta and for thirty years was a boat- man ; he was a man of mark in Marietta, where he served as chief burgess and councilman and filled various other offices. There his wife expired June 17, 1876, when fifty-six years old and there his own demise took place, June 19, 1890, at the age of eighty ; their remains were interred in St. Mary's

Mr. Lebzelter came to Lancaster, and first se- cured work in the woodturning shop of Bowers & Eshleman, where he continued for one and one- half years, and in 1854 began his present business, purchasing a lot on South Queen street, opposite the "Columbia Garden Hotel," and erecting a small shop. Prosperity smiled on him, and a year later he leased of James Potts the present site of the busi- ness house of Philip Lebzelter & Son. When his leased expired, at the end of three years, an- other firm secured the site, and Mr. Lebzelter re- turned to his South Queen street factory. In 1862 he purchased the present site, and has been there ever since. His business was started with limited means, and in a modest way, but its founder was a skilled worker as well as an excellent business man, and with each year of its existence, under his judicious management, it expanded, until now it is one of the leading industrial plants of the city. From a shop force of two men, in 1865, Mr. Leb- zeiter gradually required more help, even with the introduction of much labor-saving machinery, and now thirty-eight men are employed, and the out- put of manufactured goods includes second-growth hickory bent rims, shafts, poles, spokes, wheels, bows, reaches, banded hubs, a specialty being made of fine-grade wheels. The plant is located at No. 241 North Queen street, Lancaster. It is worthy of note that the first labor-saving machinery used was of the founder's own invention. The strict busi- ness methods and upright manner of dealing with the public that have marked this business from the beginning, and have contributed to its rapid growth and development, are continued under the active management of William F. Lebzelter, the most efficient and capable son of Philip Lebzelter, who since 1901 has been the manager of the works.

On April 2, 1854, in Lancaster, Mr. Lebzelter married Elizabeth Heleine, who was born in Lan- caster in 1834, daughter of Philip and Mary Heleine, both of whom were natives of Alsace, France. Mr. Heleine was a stocking weaver by

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cemetery at Columbia. To the marriage of these parents were born the following named children : William, who died in infancy; James W .; Auna. who also died in infancy : Mary J., who is married to J. H. Hagemer, a contractor in Marietta : John H., also living in retirement in the same town; Ed- ward P., a molder, in York; Frank B .. a printer, in Philadelphia : Susan and Thomas, deceased.

Leonard Fidler, father of John K. Fitler, born on the old homestead of 360 acres in Rapho township, Lancaster county, was a butcher and carpenter. He married Barbara Kaufman, to which union were born: Nancy, who was married to John Kaufman ; Elizabeth, who died unmarried ; Martha, married to Amos Kapp. and John K. The father of this family died in 1857 at the age of seventy-eight years and the mother in 1850, aged seventy-seven.

Leonard Fidler, the father of the Leonard men- tioned above, was a native of Womelsdorf, Berks county, settled in Lancaster county, and followed farming until the end of life.

The maternal grandparents of James W. Fitler, Patrick and Rosina (Trainer) Trainer, were re- spectively born in County Tyrone and County Done- gal, Ireland, came to America when children and were married in Wilmington, Del. Patrick Trainer was a contractor, and died in 1818. aged thirty-two years ; his wife died in 1857, when sixty-six years old. Their children were named Susan, who was married to Peter Baker; Margaret, of Marietta. Pa. ; Rosina M .; Ann, of Philadelphia, and Edward, de- ceased.

James W. Fitler began canal-boating at Mari- etta when but twelve years old and followed the call- ing until 1860 : he next clerked for the Philadelphia and Frie Railroad Company three years; was next a brakeman for three months, then a flagman for nine months, and in 1872 came to Columbia ; here he worked as a brakeman two weeks, as a flagman eighteen months, and was then promoted to his pres- ent position of conductor.

November 20, 1873, Mr. Fitler married Miss Mary A. Peoples, at Lancaster, and to this union have been born six children, viz: Marguerite, Rose M., James (killed by the electric cars in 1893), Mary R., Bernardine and Isabella. Mrs. Mary A. ( Peo- ples) Fitler was born in County Donegal, Ireland, March 22, 1848, and is a daughter of James and Ce- celia (Kennedy) Peoples, who came to America in 1848 and settled in Lancaster, Pa. James Peoples was a blacksmith and horseshoer, rose to prominence in Lancaster, was for many years a member of the select council, and died Dec. 9, 18So, at the age of sixty-five years ; his wife died April 19, 1866, when but thirty-nine years old, the remains of both being interred in St. Mary's (Catholic) cemetery in Lan- caster. To James and Cecelia Peoples were born the following children: Mary A. (Mrs. Fitler) ; Mar- garet C., deceased : James F., a machinist at Alle- gheny City, Da. ; Hugh, deceased ; John H., a prin- ter in Reading, Pa .; William, a plumber of Newark,

N. J., deceased : Stephan, a farmer and blacksans:"; in Chester county. Pa. : Charles, who died in Denver. Colo., in 1804, and Katie, who died young. The pa- ternal grandfather of this family was a native c: Scotland, whence he migrated to Ireland.

James W. Fitler is a sincere Catholic and a lib- cral contributor to the support of his church ; in pol- itics he is a sound Democrat.

JACOB S. MUMMA. Prominently identific : with the growth and development of the industrin! and farming interests of East Donegal township. which has been his home all his life, is Jacob S. Mumma, one of the most substantial citizens of this locality.

Mr. Mumma was born on his present farm. March 14. 1846, a son of Jonas and Catherine (Sherk) Mumma, the former a native of East Don- egal, and the latter of Chestnut Hill, West Hemp- field townshin, but both died on the farm now oc- cupied by Jacob S. The father lived to the age of eighty-two, dying May 2, 1882, and the mother reached the same age. her death occurring Feb. 2. 1892, and both parents were buried in the Kravhi !! cemetery, in this township. They were most worthy members of the Mennonite Church. and had a family of three children: Jacob. S. : Jonas, who married Ellen R. Nissley, died at the age of twenty-eight ; and Catherine died young.

The paternal great-grandfather was Frederick Mamma, who was born in Switzerland and was a pioneer in Lancaster county. The grandfather was Jacob Mumma, who married Anna Kraybill. both of whom died on this farm, which has been in the possession of the family so many years. The mater- nal grandfather was Christian Sherk, which name was originally written. Sherrick.

Jacob S. Mumma has resided on this fine farm all his life, and every association of youth is con- nected in some way with these broad acres. Gen- eral farming and some stockraising has been ste- cessfully pursued, and since 1890. a very profitable dairy business has also been operated here. This estate comprises 207 acres of some of the most fer- tile land in Lancaster county. Although an intelli- gent and progressive agriculturist Ands a sufficient amount of labor connected with farming on an ex- tensive scale, the drudgery and isolation which was. in times past. a necessary part of the life of a hus- bandman, have been changed, as the country has de- veloped and machinery has been made to save time and labor, and now there is no more ideal life than that of the prosperous farmer. Mr. Mumma has taken advantage of modern methods and his farm is a very valuable, well-cultivated and desirable piece of property.

Jacob S. Mumma was married in Elizabethtown, Oct. 21, 1866, to Rebecca Nissley, and the children born of this umion were: Anna, who married Harry S. Rich, cashier of the First National Bank, of Mari- etta, Pa., and died Oct. 24, 1901 ; Christian, who con-

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

ducts a meat business in Mt. Joy; Katherine, who married George U. Best, of Lancaster : Minerva, who is a nurse in the University Hospital, in Phila- delphia ; Jacob N., a steam fitter, in Philadelphia : Elizabeth, at home ; Helen, who died in infancy ; John M. and Harry J., at home.

Rebecca (Nissley) Mumma was born in Mount Joy township Nov. 30, 1848, daughter of Hon. Jacob and Elizabeth ( Kraybill) Nissley, the former of whom died in Mount Joy township March 8. 1861. at the age of fifty-four. Until 1846, he lived the life of a farmer, but at that time was clected to the Legis- lature. and during the remainder of his life was occupied in the settling of estates, etc. The mother of Mrs. Mumma died in 1893, at the age of eiglity- one. and was laid away in the Kraybill cemetery.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Nissley were : Jacob K., a retired farmer of Florin. Pa. : Martha, who married Elias Eby, a retired farmer of East Donegal township; Barbara, who married Jonas Hostetter, of Florin. Pa .: Catherine, who married Michael H. Engle, a merchant of Elizabethtown : Elizabeth, who married David Rutt. a retired farmer of Sterling, Ill .: Anna E., who married Jacob E. Good, of West Donegal township; Rebecca: and Simon K., who conducts a restaurant in Lancaster.

For the past ten years, Mr. Mumuma has testi- , fied to his interest in the public schools, by acting as school director, and he has been very carnest in the : discharge of his duties. Socially he is connected with the Masonic order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, and in politics, he is an active Republican. Mrs. Mumma is highly valued in the Mennonite Church, where she has long been recognized as a con- sistent member. The family is one of the leading ones in the township, and enjoys the esteem of all in this locality.

BENJAMIN K. DENLINGER. The Denlinger homestead is a well-known farm in East Lampeter township, and its present owner and occupant, Ben- jamin K. Denlinger, is a worthy representative of au honorable family, which for many years has given to Lancaster county some of its best citizens.

Benjamin K. Denlinger was born on this farm. located but three miles east of the flourishing city of Lancaster. Jan. 20, 1846, a son of Benjamin and An- nie (Kreider) Denlinger. Grandfather Abraham Denlinger inherited, by title, from his father, sev- enty-two acres of the fertile soil of East Lampeter township, and the title has since been handed down by will. The birth of Abraham Denlinger reaches back to July 21, 1785, his life covering the interven- ing years until March 6. 1836. He married Annie Landis, and their children were: (1) Martin, born on April 30, 1812, who married Barbara Johns, and died Feb. 5, 1879, the father of three children: a daughter who married Rev. John Landis, a minister of the Mennonite Church ; Abraham, who died April 25, 1850, aged sixteen years, three months and twenty-seven days; and Martin, Jr., who married

Anna Groff, and died at the age of thirty-nine years, ten months and one day, leaving his widow with ten children. the youngest six weeks old. These children were: Emma, who married Samuel Herr ; Barbara, who married John Denlinger; Lizzie. un- married: Anna, wife of John Zimmerman; Elam, who married a Miss Burkholder ; David, a teacher for a number of years; Martin: Salinda, wife of Jason Ranck : Abraham, a teacher ; and Ida, wife of Reuben Buchwalter. One child, Mary, who died aged seven years. nine months and twenty-six days, preceded the father to the grave. (2) Benjamin, born Aug. 6, 1814. died _lug. 27, 1888. (3) Mary, born Nov. 26, 1808, became the wife of John Kreidler, and died June 11. 1863. ' (4) Barbara, born Feb. 4. 1824, became the wife of Daniel Kreider, and died Sept. 8. 18.44. aged nineteen years, seven months and three days. ( 5) Elizabeth, a twin sister to Mary. married Tobias Leaman, and died at the age of seventy-seven years, four months and twenty-six days.

The homestead was the abiding place of Ben- jamin Denlinger and wife, all their lives, and here they reared a large family of children, teaching them good principles and giving them wise, Christian counsel, and surrounding them with pious influences. These children were: Martin and John, both of whom are mutes : Abraham, who first married Annie Buchwalter, a daughter of Rev. David Buchwalter, and second. Hettie Landis, a daughter of Benjamin Landis : Annie, deceased, married David L. Buch- walter, a son of Deacon Michael Buchwalter: Ben- jamin K., of this sketch: Tobias K., who married Martha Brubaker. a daughter of Deacon John Bru- baker: Daniel K .. who married Hettie Hershey, a daughter of Jacob S. Hershey : Esther K., who mar- ried John Musser : Mary K. and Elizabeth K., twins, the former of whom is the widow of Henry E. Metz- ler. a son of Abram Metzler, and the latter, the wife of Christian M. Brackbill. a minister in the Mennon- ite Church : Barbara K., who married John H. Mel- linger, a son of Jacob Mellinger ; Lydia K., a mute, who married Daniel Rohrer, also a mute : Catherine K .. a mute, who married Henry Kulp, also a mute.

Beniamin K. Denlinger received but few educa- tional advantages. His entire life has been devoted to farming, in which he has taken much enjoyment, and under his ownership the old homestead improves every year. The location of this farm is most de- sirable. the old Philadelphia pike road running through the land. Until 1893 the family resided in the old house, but in that year, Mr. Denlinger erected his present most comfortable brick residence, and one year later completed the barn and other buildings needed in the management of a large estate. Not only is Mr. Denlinger a superior farmer, but he is also a floriculturist, and has built two commodious greenhouses. 21x60 and 23x100 feet, fitted with all conveniences, where he gives much time and atten- tion to flowers of all kinds, succeeding well in their culture.

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In ISÓS Mr. Denlinger was united in marriage to Maria Wenger, a daughter of Joseph Wenger, the death of the latter occurring when his daughter was but fifteen years of age. Five years later. .. Irs. Den- linger was bereft of her mother, also. To Mr. and Mrs. Denlinger were born: Annie; Benjamin W., who married Lydia Lefever, a daughter of Daniel Lefever, and operates his father's farm: Mary W., who died at the age of four years, six months and ! twenty-four days; Abraham W., who married Ber- tha Mary Leaman, a daughter of Amos Leaman ; John W., who was always an invalid, and who died at the age of seventeen years, six months and twenty-four days; Harry W .; Martin W .; Joseph W .; and Katie W.

Mr. and Mrs. Denlinger are leading members of the Old Mennonite Church, in which faith they have carefully reared their family. Mr. Denlinger has been a generous contributor, and when the Mel- linger Church was built was an active member of the building committee. His interest in its progress and extension of influence is great, and he has the charge of the grounds and cemetery. The family is one which enjoys the respect of the community, and all are known as most estimable, upright people ..

MISS PAULINE LAMPARTER, daughter of the late Everhardt Lamparter, and sister of Mrs. Eugene Bauer (both of whom are fully mentioned elsewhere), makes her home with her brother, Everhardt, the well known glue manufacturer of Rockland street. Miss Lamparter, though keeping house for her brother, is the owner of a very fine home in the Third ward of Lancaster. She was edu- cated in the schools of Paradise township and Lan- caster city, and is a lady of more than ordinary in- telligence and of most kindly nature. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and is never so happy as when she is brightening the lives of those less fortunate than herself.

JOHN H. WEAVER. The family of Mr. Weaver, who is widely known and universally es- teemed as one of the most successful farmers in East Lampeter township, has achieved no little dis- tinction in both church and secular affairs. For three generations its members have borne the repu- tation of skillful agriculturists, good citizens and devout members of the Reformed Mennonite Church, to whose ministry they have contributed two preachers of note.

John H. Weaver is a grandson of John, who was the father of three sons and one daughter, all deceased. The daughter, Nancy, married Conrad Sitzman. The sons were named Jolin, David and Henry. John and Henry belonged to the clergy of the Reformed Mennonite denomination. Henry, the father of John H. Weaver, was a farmer, as had been his father. He was noted for his earnest Christian character, his piety having that vitality which actuated and controlled all his dealings with

his fellow men. He married Anna Howry, who bore him four children. He passed away in Se - tember, ISoS, and sleeps in the quiet grave ;a :: which lies near the old Longenecker miec ::.... house. John H. was the eldest child: the other were Henry, Anna and Levi, the last named a Men- nonite minister, who inarried Ella Fraley, and Ives in Strasburg township.

John H. Weaver was born Oct. 1, 1842. He :::- herits from his ancestors a love for the soil a: : from them has also descended to him an earnes: faith, which is attested by his work. His life has been the quiet, uneventful one of a prospere .: s farmer, void of any ambition other than to per- form well each duty of life as it presented itself : his mind and hand. His marriage to Frances. daughter of Martin Weaver, which occurred in 1872, has been blessed by the birth of three chit- dren, Elmer, Charles and Cora.

Elmer Weaver, the eldest son, is one of the most extensive and successful horticulturists in Lancaster county. His greenhouses with the con- tiguous land, where are situated the other appurte- nances of his plant. cover 33,508 square feet, ani the amount of glass used in covering them excee .!: 37,000 square feet. His chief markets are Phia- delphia and Pittsburg, to both of which points he is a large shipper. His specialty is carnations, al- though he also sends to market large quantities of violets, mignonette, smilax, asters and sweet peas. On May 3, 1899, he was married to Miss Alice Kchr, a daughter of Jacob Kohr, of Manheim town- ship. In that same year he built, from plans con- ceived and drawn by himself. a handsome residence. replete with all the conveniences known to city homes, and there he now lives.

SAMUEL NISSLY. Prominently identified with the financial interests of Lancaster county is Samuel Nissly, president of the Lincoln Nationa. Bank, at Lincoln, Pa., and also a director and stock- holder in the Lancaster Bank, and the Lititz Na- tional Bank, at Lititz, Pa. For more than sixty years he has been before the public and stands as a worthy example of uprightness of life and careful and con- scientious work.

Samuel Nissly comes of Swiss stock, the first emigrant of the name coming to the State of Vir- ginia about 1720, and from there came Grandfather Martin Nissly, who located in Lancaster county. Martin Nissly was born in 1759, and died in IS42. leaving two children: Henry and Catherine.

Henry Nissly married Catherine Martin aboy: 1805, and reared a family of nine children: Peter. Martin, Henry, Samuel, John, Isaac, Elizabeti .. Catherine and Annie, the three daughters living on the old home place in Clay township, while the brothers all, except Samuel, have passed away.

Samuel Nissly was born May 29, 1815. and lik? many another who has come to the front in other walks of life, he was reared on a farm, although his

SAMUEL NISSLY

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

inclinations did not induce him to select an agricul- tural life as a profession. At the age of eighteen he went to Lititz to learn the trade of cabinetmaker, returning three years later to Clay township, where for a few years he pursued this avocation. Being of a mathematical turn of mind, he then took up sur- veying and conveyancing, under instructions from his uncle, Peter Martin, and followed that line for some sixty years.

In 1850 MIr. Nissly was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and so efficiently has he served that he has been retained continuously ever since, his present term hot expiring until 1905, a most un- usual term of service. In 1844 he was one of the or- ganizers of the Northern Mutual Life Insurance Co., and for the following fifty-six years served it in the capacities of director, secretary, treasurer and presi- dent, lately resigning the last named position. Mr. Nissly was also interested in other financial organi- zations, and is at present president of the Lincoln National Bank, an office he has held since its organi- zation in 1884. He was one of the organizers of the Ephrata National Bank, and is also a director and stockholder in both the Lancaster Bank and the Lititz National Bank. Mr. Nissly possesses consid- erable valuable property in this locality, four fine farms and other real estate, and he resides somewhat retired at his home in Clay township, three-quarters ct a mile from Lincoln, Pa., just across the line in Clay township from Ephrata township.

In politics Samuel Nissly is an ardent Republi- can, and cast his first vote for William Henry Har- rison in 1840. Known far and wide for his honesty and his adherence to his convictions of right, no citizen of Lancaster county stands higher in the esteem of the public.

PHARES S. MOORE. Eminently fitted by in- herited talent and by a liberal education for impor- tant business responsibilities, Phares S. Moore, pro- prietor of the Keystone rolling mill in West Hemp- field township, is one of the best known citizens of the western part of Lancaster county. He was born on the farm which he now owns and occupies Nov. 19, 1862, son of Michael H. and Barbara ( Stoner) Moore.

Michael H. Moore, a prominent business man of Lancaster county for many years. was born at Junc- tion. Lancaster county, in 1818 ; he removed in 1854 to the farm in West Hempfield township, now occu- pied by his son. In 1862 he removed to Rohrers- town, and there operated an iron rolling mill for four years. Returning to his West Hempfield town- ship residence, he there remained until 1897. when he removed to Lancaster. Though now well ad- vanced in life he still attends to his own extensive business correspondence. Since 1804 he has been president of the Chestnut Hill turnpike. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Lancaster, of which he is now a director. He is a stockholder in the Conestoga Traction Co., and has

other large financial interests. In politics he is a Re- publican, and in religious faith a member of the old Mennonite church. He was the oldest son of Mii- chael and Elizabeth ( Hertzler ) Moore, pioneer far- mers of Penn township, whose six children were Michael H. : John, engaged in the milling business in Rapho township : George, who died on the old! farm; Martin, who also died on the old farm ; Eliza- beth, of Florin, widow of C. J. Heaston : and Har- riet, of Philadelphia. Michael H. Moore married Barbara Stoner, daughter of Joseph H. and Bar- bara (Sprankle) Stoner, farmers of York county, I'a. To Michael H. and Barbara Moore were born three children : Ella S., wife of Dr. Jacob F. Trex- ler, of Huntington; Phares S. ; and Alice B.

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Biographical annals of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settlers, Part 17

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1903 Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers Number of Pages: 1186

Author: Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899. dn; Beers (J.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: [Chicago, Ill.] : Beers
Number of Pages: 1186