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 29
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In politics Mr. Bucher is a Republican, and has always given his party a hearty and liberal support. He was elected a member of the borough council in 1884, and the following year served as its president. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., hav- ing joined Susquehanna Lodge, No. So, in 1856, and has passed through all the chairs ; of the A. O. M. P., with which he has been affiliated since 1874, and in which organization he has also filled all the executive offices : and of Lancaster Lodge, No. 134, B. P. O. E. As president of the Columbia Rod and Gun Club he has ably served that society, and is still one of its most enthusiastic and prominent supporters.
On Sept. 13, 1862, Mr. Bucher enlisted in Com- 37
pany A. 2d P. V. I., and went with his regiment to Chambersburg, where it remained until Sept. 18th, when it went to Hagerstown, and thence three miles out in the Williamsport road, where it formed in line of battle and remained there twenty-four hours. It then moved a mile farther and went into camp. but the same evening started for Greencastle, taking cars for Harrisburg, where Mr. Bucher, with the rest of the regiment, was mustered out of the service Sept. 25th. In 1863 Mr. Bucher was the eighth man drafted in the army from the First ward of Columbia, but secured exemption, as the ward filled the quota. As a subsequent draft in the same year, his name was again the eighth to be drawn, and this time he paid $300 for exemption.
In addition to his mercantile and real-estate in- terests. Mr. Bucher has been prominently identified with a number of successful business enterprises. For years he has been a director of the Keeley Stove Works, of Columbia, and for a time served as treas- urer of the Columbia Laundry Machine Co. He was also for a good many years treasurer of the New York Building & Loan Association.
Mr. Bucher has been an enthusiastic traveler, having visited Europe. Canada, the West Indies, and all parts of the United States. In 1880 he made an extended trip through Europe, revisiting his old home, and meeting his mother and three sisters, from whom he had long been separated. Two brothers had followed him to America, Christian in 1853, and Max in 1858. both now deceased. Mr. Bucher is one of the wealthiest citizens of Columbia, but has not, however, forgotten the Christian precepts of his early training, and the Golden Rule has guided his life. He has been generous in the distribution of his means for the public good. A kind and loving father and husband, a faithful and efficient public official, honest and just to his fellowmen, he ranks as one of Columbia's most prominent and influential citizens. He is actively interested in the affairs of life, and his beautiful home on Locust street, oppo- site the city park, contains a well selected library and many curios of interest. His disposition is com- panionable and genial, his observations keen and practicai, and few men are better liked for their individual worth and personal character.
In 1860 Mr. Bucher married Miss Louisa Bartsch, daughter of Michael Bartsch. of Chestnut Hill, Lancaster county, and to this union have been born four children, viz. : Mary, who resides at home : Frederick C., who is a practicing physician in Co- lumbia, and married Miss Estella Brant; Emilie, who married Dr. J. W. Grove,'and resides in Colum- bia ; and William, a druggist in Columbia, where he has two fine drug stores.
BENJAMIN Z. WITMER, a general farmer of Mt. Joy township, was born in that township July 2, 1858, son of John and brother of David Witmer, of Elizabethtown.
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the district schools, and until his marriage he resided with his parents. Following this event, he began farming on his own account on his father's land. operating the home farm for three years, moving then to his well-cultivated farm of twenty-seven acres, upon which he has remained until the present time. Mr. Witmer belongs to the Republican party. His religious connection is with the German Bap- tist Church1.
On Dec. 23. 1880, Mr. Witmer was married (first) in Manheim. Pa., to Miss Malinda B. Gar- man, born in Mt. Joy township, who died May I. 1895 and was buried in Mt. Tunnel cemetery. She was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Garman. the former of whom was a carpenter in Lancaster coun- ty, where both he and wife died. On Feb. 2. 1897. Mr. Witmer was married ( second) in Mt. Joy town- ship, to Miss Susan Kauffman, born in Penu town- ship in 1863. daughter of Abraham and Catherine (McMullen) Kauffman. of Lancaster county. Mr. Kauffman was a carpenter by trade and was a much respected man. His death occurred in 1880, at the age of forty-two years, his wife having died in 1872. at the age of thirty-four years. They both were laid to rest in White Oak Church cemetery. Their chil- dren were: Monroe, who is a carpenter, in Bren- nerville ; Lizzie, who married Samuel Ritter and lives in Springfield, Ohio; James, who resides in Rapho township: Henry, a farmer near Pennville. Pa. : Nathaniel, who lives in Lancaster : Katie, mar- ried to Philip Waterman, of Rickersville, Pa .; and Susan, the youngest of the family, who became Mrs. Witmer. Mr. and Mrs. Witmer have no children.
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Mr. Witmer is an excellent farmer, a good neigh- bor and a first-class citizen. He and his estimable wife have a large circle of warm friends in their com- munity.
DANIEL S. VON NIEDA. As proprietor of one of the most popular summer hotels of Lancaster county, Daniel S. Von Nieda has become acquainted not only with many citizens of Ephrata, but with a great number of intelligent and agreeable people from various States, who have found in him a model host and genial gentleman whom they are glad to call friend. The "Ephrata Springs Mountain House." located at Ephrata, is one of the most die- lightful summer resorts in that locality, situated near the summit of Ephrata mountain, in the midst of a large park of some 200 shade trees, and sup- plied with the pure and invigorating water of Eph- rata Springs, which by many are considered very medicinal.
Daniel S. Von Nieda was born Dec. 23. 1844. son of the late Jacob and Catherine (Swartz) Von Nieda, of Cocalico township. The first of the Von Nieda family to arrive in America, were six broth- ers and one sister, namely : George, Martin, Jacob, Philip, Casper, Daniel and Catharine who left the Pfalz on the Rhine called Grammerchen in 1771.
The education of Mr. Witmer was obtained in . Of these lacob settled at Adamstown, Lancaster county. Pa. Jacob was the father of John, Rud: Philip (2nd). Jacob (and), Henry, Elizabeth, Mag , dalena. Ammarie, and Catharine (2nd). Of t !: above Philip ( 2nd) was the father of the following children: Solomon, Philip (3rd), Jacob (3rd). Elizabeth, Susanna, and William, all of whom har .. passed away.
In 1812 Jacob Von Nieda (3), son of Philip (2). married Catherine Swartz, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Pannabecker) Swartz, and to them were born five children: Daniel S .; Jacob L., born in 1840, who died in childhood; J. Wesley, born in 1853. who married Sallie Boger, of Reading, Pa .. and is a printer by trade ; Mary Emma, born in 1856. who married Rev. M. A. Salt, of Oberlin. Pa .. a minister of prominence in the United Brethren Church : and Richard W., born in 1858, a printer and publisher in Reading.
Daniel S. Von Nieda was reared on a farm in his youth, and received his education in the public schools of Adamstown, beginning his business ca- feer as a photographer. During the Civil war he served eleven months as a drummer boy in the 195th P. V. I. In (877 he started the Ephrata Review. the first newspaper published in Ephrata, in which enterprise his brother, J. Wesley Von Nieda, was associated with him. Tu 188t he purchased the "Mountain House" at Ephrata, and for the last twenty years has been its successful proprietor, mak- ing it one of the most desirable resorts in that part of the State. On account of the vigilance which Mr. Von Nieda constantly exerts, and also his known pronounced prohibition views, this hotel has justly gained a reputation for respectability which makes it much sought after by those of refined and exclu- sive tastes.
On Oct. 24, 1869, Daniel S. Von Nieda was mar- ried to Miss Sallie S. Zartman, a daughter of Will- iam and Annie ( Singer ) Zartman, and five sous have been born to this union, all of them children of whom their parents have reason to feel proud. These chil- dren are: Oscar L., born Jan. 27, 1871. who mar- ried Miss Sarah H. Landis, and is a farmer in Eph. rata : John W., born Dec. 15. 1873, an electrician : Harry J., born March 27, 1876, who is editor of the Ephrata Reporter, and resides at home : Robert D .. born Aug. 16, 1880, who assists his father; and Walter H., born Oct. 23, 1883, at home.
As a business man and excellent citizen, Mr. Von Nieda stands high in the community, and socially he is known as a charitable and benevolent neighbor as well as a true Christian gentleman.
NOAH L. GETZ. The first member of the Get: family to locate in Lancaster county, Pa., where for many years its representatives have lived honest and honorable lives, was John Jacob Getz, who came to America, in the good ship "Dolphin," and landed in Philadelphia in 1738, his home having been in P'falz. Germany. After a short residence in this country,
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Te went back to Germany, but finally returned and lected, at the death of Benjamin Landis, his father- in-law, to become the guardian of the estate. and never was a trust more carefully fulfilled, or a great business matter better adjusted. Two children were ful practicing physician of Marshalltown, Iowa ; and Noah L. cated in Lancaster county, settling on Chestnut ifill and occupying a large extent of country, some :00 or 500 acres of the choicest land of this fertile county. Of an enterprising and progressive spirit, : born to Levi Getz and his wife ; Hiram L., a success- he favored many measures for public improvement. and in every way testified to the confidence he had in the future of the great country where he had found t hospitable home.
The family born to this emigrant forefather con- sisted of many daughters and one son, Jacob, who became the great-grandfather of the present repre- sentatives of the name in Lancaster county. Great- grandfather Jacob Getz owned the old homestead. and in 1818, after making proper provision for his numerous sisters, he built upon the place a large brick house and barn and suitable outbuildings, and also erected a barn upon the farm which is now in the possession of Noah L. On this same place in 1822 he built a house and also put up some buildings at the "Black Horse Hotel." The records show that he was a man of fertile mind and considerable ca- pacity, followed farming successfully and carried on a business in the manufacture of whip stocks, which were sold in Philadelphia. His family consisted of five sons: John, George. Peter. Harry, and Jacob : the large estate was divided between them. and all settled and married in that locality except George, who was of a more adventurous and restless spirit.
Grandfather John Getz was born June 19, 1700. and died Nov. 18, 1842. He married Magdalina Gross, who was born Dec. 2, 1795, and died June 15. 1857. They owned 113 acres of the old homestead, together with thirty-seven acres of timber land. all of which now belongs to Noah L. Getz. During his life John Getz filled a number of situations accept- i ably, being engaged in general farming, while he also taught school, and was called upon to serve as clerk at sales, his ability putting him far in advance of his neighbors. His family consisted of a daugh- ter, Lydia, and a son, Levi, the father of our subject.
Levi Getz was born Dec. 28. 1827. and passed out of life Feb. 20. 1896. His wife was a representa- tive of another old and well-known, as well as nu -- merous, family of Lancaster county. Maria L. Lan- dis, of Manheim township. After his marriage, in 1849, he succeeded to the property and became not only a prosperous farmer, but a noted stock raiser ; buying only thoroughbred stock and raising fine specimens of Holsteins. Shorthorns, Jerseys, and Devons, he was one of the leaders in this progressive industry in the county. The great and luxuriant meadows of Lancaster county made the raising of fine cattle and stock a very profitable business, and Levi Getz was so encouraged that he went into the business of improving his other stock also, introduc- ing some of the best strains of hogs ever brought to Lancaster county.
For a number of years he was one of the direc- tors in the Lancaster County National Bank and so much confidence was placed in him that he was se-
Dr. Hiram Landis Getz was born Nov. 14. 1850, in East Hempfield township, Lancaster county. His early education was gained in the schools of that re- gion and then followed his professional studies in Philadelphia, where he was connected with various hospitals, was assistant and student under the noted surgeon. Dr. R. J. Levis, and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in 1874. He located at Marshalltown, Jowa.
In addition to his regular professional work, the doctor has been at various times connected with life and accident companies ; has been county physician for Marshall county: is chief surgeon for the Iowa Central Railroad and is connected with a number of other Western roads ; was for three years a professor in the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons : and has held other professional positions in the state, 100 numerous to mention. Dr. Getz is a frequent contributor to medical and surgical journals and has invented a number of instruments and conveniences for professional use. Besides being prominent in various State societies, he was elected president of the International Association of Railway Surgeons, 1900-01. In politics Dr. Getz is independent ; he has served on many State boards and as postmaster of Marshalltown, always introducing many improve- ments and reforms.
On May 27, 1874. Dr. Getz married Miss Mary E. Worley, and they have two children: N. Wor - ley, also a physician ; and Igerna M.
Noah L. Getz was born April 9, 1852, and was reared on the farm and received his education in the public schools, having the advantages of a short term at the Manheim Academy. On Jan. 6, 1876. he was married to Fannie H. Roher, of East Hempfield, who was born Nov. 28, 1856, and to them were born these children: Ferry R., a very bright young man, born in 1877. graduated from Marshall College, of Lancaster City, in the class of 1901 ; Noah R., born in 1870. educated in the common schools and at present a student in the International School of Cor- respondence, at Scranton, Pa .; Mable R., born in 1881. educated at the Manheim High School and graduated in the class of 1899: Annis R., born in 1882, who died in 1886: John R., born in 1883, a student in the Manheim high school : Maria R., born in 1885 : Henry R., born in 1887 ; and Roher, born in 1801.
This traces the Getz family in one line, and other information tells of the will of John Jacob, which was made in 1803, and mentions that his son Jacob was one of the keepers of the "Black Horse Hotel." and evidently erected the same. It is interesting to trace family connections with old landmarks and
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much might be written which the limits of this bi- ography would not permit.
When Noah L. Getz began life for himself he was twenty-six years old, and he and his wife settled on a tract of 120 acres of land which he had pur- chased from his father ; and upon this place he has made his home. and added many valuable improve- ments, in 1879 erecting tobacco sheds and several smaller buildings, and in 1890 erecting a fine modern brick residence, which is one of the most attractive homes in the county. In April, 1896, he succeeded to the old homestead, at which time he remodeled the buildings and now has one of the largest as well as one of the best equipped farms in the neighborhood.
Mrs. Getz was the recipient of a fine property, al- most adjoining the homestead, which was presented to her on her birthday, in 1800. the two together placing in the family the largest farm in Lancaster county. Mr. Getz has dealt largely in tobacco, also in walnut lumber, and is one of the largest dealers in stock and cattle in the county. Prominent in many ways, he is a member and stockholder in the Lititz Turnpike Co., and is considered one of the best representative men of Lancaster county.
JAMES M. WILSON, a retired farmer of East Drumore township, was born in York county. Pa., July 8, 1822, son of John and Charlotte ( Watt) Wilson.
John Wilson was born in York county in 1796, and his wife was born in Chester county in 1795. John was the son of James and Eleanor (Hutchin- son) Wilson, who were born in York and Chester counties respectively, and who reared a family of five children, three sons and two daughters : John, father of our subject ; James, who moved to Ohio, and died there; David, who lived and died on the old homestead in York county : Elizabeth, who died unmarried in York county: and Margaret, who became the wife of John Collins, who died in York countv.
John Wilson, father of our subject, first settled on a farm in York county, but in 1824 he moved to the southern part of Lancaster county, where he followed farming until his death in Tulv. 1886, in his ninetv-first year : his wife died at their home in 1874. They were members of the United Presby- terian church and were devout Christians. They left two sons: James and John D., the latter (who is unmarried) being a prominent and wealthy man of Lancaster county, whose early life was spent as a farmer, but who afterward engaged as a merchant in Drumore township ; so continuing until 1861 when he was appointed deputy sheriff, and moved to Lancaster : he has also held several other offices, and is now living retired.
James M. Wilson grew to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the public schools. He remained on the farm until his mar- riage, in November, 1876, to Miss Jane Thompson,
daughter of Miller and Mary (Watt) Thompson pioneers of Lancaster county. Mr. Wilson located on his father's homestead where he remained und the spring of 1884, when he purchased his presen. fine farm which joins the borough of Quarryville. It is one of the well cultivated and desirable place: of the section, and has a large brick residence and fine out buildings of all kinds. It was here that Mr. Wilson's first wife died, in 1892, leaving no children. In 1893 Mr. Wilson married for his second wife, Mrs. Harriet E. ( Thompson) Camp- bell, widow of Dr. John C. Campbell, who in life was a prominent physician of the county. Mrs. Wilson was born Jan. 11, 1844, in Colerain town- ship, whither her parents. George B. and Mary ( Snyder ) Thompson. of Chester county, had moved. The lady is well educated. and for twenty years was a teacher in the public schools. She had two children by her first husband : Anna D., born in 1860. who married Walter Scott, and has one child. Helen E. : and Bailey C., born in 1872, who is now a resident of Harrisburg, and has one son. Jolin. Mrs. Wilson is the granddaughter of Franci: and Mary ( Black) Thompson, and her materna: great-grandparents were George and Hannal (Ross) Black, while her paternal great-grand- parents were Col. James and Lydia F. ( Bailey Thompson, of Revolutionary fame. Col. James Thompson was born in Sadsbury township in 1745. and died in the same township in February, 180". His wife, Lydia F. Bailey, was born in 1750, and died in 1806. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have no children. In religion they are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which both he and his brother have been strong supporters for a number of years. His father. John Wilson, was one of the early members of the United Presbyterian church of Martic township, and attended it for many years, holding various offices in it. Mr. Wilson has also filled positions of trust and honor in the same church, and is one of its foremost members. Volumes might be written of his Christian benevolence and charity. He is a man of integrity and honor, and well thought of by all who know him.
HENRY CLAY GEMPERLING, the popular court crier, lives in a beautiful home which he has erected on a part of the estate owned by his father. the late Daniel Gemperling, on East Orange street. near Ann street, in Lancaster.
Jacob Gemperling, grandfather of Henry Clav. who was a distiller and a farmer, was born near Rohrerstown; his son Daniel, who was born in Lancaster, died Nov. 13, 1805, at the age of eighty- seven years. The latter and his brother John, were the leading tinsmiths of the city for many years. filling many important contracts. Daniel Gemper- ling conducted the business on East Orange street alone to within a short time of his death, and became one of the best-known citizens of his time, owning a
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large amount of real estate, and making his influence felt in business and commercial circles. Anna ! Hurst, his wife, was a half-sister of Elam Hurst, a prominent citizen of Lancaster, and also a sister of the mother of H. C. Demuth. From this union were born three children, two of whom, William and Anna, died in early childhood, and the only surviv- or is Henry Clay Gemperling.
Henry Clay Gemperling was born in the large brick mansion at the southwest corner of East King and Jefferson streets, then the home of his parents, in February, 1846, and was educated in the city schools and at John Beck's celebrated school in Lititz. When less than sixteen years old he left school to enlist in the Union army, joining Co. A, 79th P. V. I., Aug. 19, 1861, and served throughout the war, receiving his discharge Aug. 12, 1865. He took a gallant part in all the battles and skirmishes in which his command participated. and was wounded in the arm at Jonesboro. Ga., under Gen. Sherman, being promoted to the position of corporal. . Liter the war Mr. Gemperling was captain of "The Boys in Blue," a campaign organization in the first campaign of Gen. Grant for the presidency. After Gen. Grant's election the boys in blue were organized into two military companies. A and B, and attached to the National Guard of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gemperling being commissioned captain of Co. B. both compan- ies taking part in the inauguration of Gen. Grant as President. Until 1870 he worked with his father at the tinsmith and plumbing trade, and then re- moved to Ephrata, where he engaged for himself in the same lines. There he remained until March 13, 1895, when he returned to Lancaster. to become a tip-staff in the court house, very shortly being made court crier for court No. 2. and in November. 1809, he was made court crier of the courts of Lancaster county, to fill a vacancy created by the death of Jo- seph C. Snyder, a position which he still holds.
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While living in Ephrata, Mr. Gemperling bought and remodeled a fine property. For fifteen years he was deputy coroner of the district, for nine years he was a notary public, and was the first president of the Pioneer Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company, and was acting in that capacity, when he left the bor- ough ; he was commander of Post No. 524, G. A. R., of Ephrata, for three years, and was the second man 10 be elected burgess after Ephrata became a bor- ough.
While a resident of Lancaster he served as a policeman during Mayor Stauffer's first term, and is remembered as one of the best police officers this city ever had. During his residence in Ephrata he twice arrested Abe Buzzard. the noted outlaw, "put- ting him behind the bars." This he did as a private citizen, his fellow townsmen calling on him because of his well-known fearlessness. When thieves broke into the store of Schaeffer & Reinhold, at Ephrata, Mr. Gemperling discovered one of the thieves, ar- rested him, and took him to jail. This same bravery sas conspicuous all through his army experiences.
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Mr. Gemperling was married Aug. 14, 1869, to Miss Susan Jacobs, daughter of William Adam Jacobs, a farmer living near Beartown. Lancaster county. From this union were born four children : Anna Maria, the wife of E. E. Royer, a farmer of Ephrata township; Martha Alpha, unmarried and at home : Daniel H., a paper hanger ; and Henry Clay, Jr., now at school.
JACOB H. ZIEGLER. Among the prominent and successful business enterprises of Lancaster county, the Conoy Township Creamery has taken a leading place, under the efficient management of its owner, Jacob H. Ziegler, a resident of Rowenna.
The founder of the Ziegler family in East Done- gal township was Conrad Ziegier, born in 1761, who married Magdalina Schock, born in 1758: his death occurred in 1831 and hers in 1826. Their remains lie with those of other old and honored pioneers in the ancient cemetery of East Donegal. The paternal grandparents of Jacob H. Ziegler were Courad and Catherine (Schock) Ziegler, his birth occurring in tSot, his death in ISSo, while she was born in 1799. and passed out of life in 1854. Conrad Ziegler was one of the most estimable men of his time and lo- calitv, a local preacher of the religious denomination known as Dunkards, a good, pious, charitable and upright man.
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