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 49
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
Many descendants of this branch of the Blair family are to be found in Pequea township. and other parts of Lancaster counti It may not be ir- relevant to state that from John Blair, who was Samuel's junior by eight years, sprang Francis P. Blair, of Congressional Globe fame: Montgomery Blair. Lincoln's post-master general: and Frank Blair, United States Senator from Missouri.
The great-grandfather of Mr. Risk was James Moore, who married Francina Blair. daughter of the Rev. Samuel Blair. He left the old homestead to his son Samuel Moore, who, in turn. married Mary Caldwell. From this union were born several children. viz .: James, Robert W .. Samuel B., Lv- dia. Rebecca J .. Mary R. and Francina Blair, who was the mother of the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Risk's father failed in business during one of the early panics. leaving his son a penniless lad. four years old. with no greater inheritance than an old family Bible, and a tendency to rheumatism. Mrs. Risk and her two sons. Robert and James, went back to the old ancestral homestead, a farm near the Buck, now in the former's name. The be- sinning of his education was in the old Ing school house. but at the early age of eleven years, he at- tended Williamsburg Academy, in Blair county, this State. and in 1861 came to the academy at | Chestnut Level, where he spent three years under the instruction of his cousin, Prof. James Morgan : Rawlins. A. M. He completed his academic course and prepared for college ( which he never entered), under the same instructor at Parkesburg. Chester Co., Pa .. and assisted him as teacher for two years. He next went west to Kansas, settling in Topeka, and there began his legal studies
664
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
under Judge Daniel Briar. On account of ill health he returned to Lancaster, completed his legal course under the preceptorship of Sammuel H. Reynolds, and was admitted to the Lancaster Bar in 1873. The practice of law was never to his taste nor fitted to his natural aptitudes, so. Jan. 1. 1876, he formed a partnership with W. Hayes Grier, in the publica- tion of the Columbia Herald, which association lasted two years. Returning to Lancaster he put in nearly three years in a little law practice and much desultory and general newspaper writing. Upon the resignation of D. Brainard Williamson from the editorship of the Lancaster Examiner in October. 18St. Mr. Risk accepted the vacant chair from Hon. John A. Heistand, and has been con- nected with the editorial department ever since- the Messrs Cochran taking possession of the paper. March 27, 1880.
1
:
In 1893 Mr. Risk published a volume under the Capt. Groff won much professional fame by his able defense of Ralph Wireback, the murderer of Da- vid B. Landes, president of the Conestoga National Bank. Every inch of the way was stoutly con- title of "Observed and Noted." being a series of . | sketches, humorous, sentimental, pathetic and philo- sophic, which he had contributed for a number of vears to the Saturday issue of The Examiner. Mr. ! tested ; every step known to the practice of our Risk has never married and has but one near rela- | courts was taken, but the murder was undisputed, tive, a brother. Samuel James Risk, of Quarryville. this county. The race of both the Risks and Moores is fast approaching extinction. Although Mr. ! Risk's father was an early Abolitionist and the great friend of Thaddeus Stevens, his son was brought up under Democratic influences and till 1880 was the adherent of that party. When it left the faith of the fathers, he gave his allegiance to the Repub- lican party, and has labored for its interests ever since.
JOHN M. GROFF. whose law offices are at Nos. 40-42 North Duke street. Lancaster. comes from old and substantial Lancaster county Mennon- ite stock, his grandfather having been a farmer of New Providence, Lancaster county, whither the great-grandfather removed from Groffdale, a local- ity peopled by his ancestors, who were among the carly Mennonite settlers of this county.
Adam Groff, the father of John M., was a farmer of New Providence. and his wife. Fanny. was a daughter of David Mowery. a farmer and merchant of more than local reputation. To this union were born four children : Jefferson F., a res- ident of Downingtown, where he is in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co .: Cora E., wife of Samuel Hoffman, of Harrisburg : John M .. of Lan- caster City, the subject of this sketch; and Miss Mary G., at home.
John M. Groff was born in New Providence July 30. 1860. and after attending the public schools of the district attended the State Normal School at Millersville. He afterward entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. where he remained two years, and then registered as a stu- dent at law with Hon. Marriott Brosius. Mr. Groff was admitted to the practice of his profession Nov.
6. 1892, and in a few years built up a large practice. When the war with Spain broke out Mr. Groff, with his military training at West Point fresh in his mind, raised a company of volunteers. who elected him their captain. Their services were tendered to the Government, but happily were not needed. Un- launted by this, the company held together, and are known as Company K. 4th Regiment. N. G. P. Dur- ing the troubled times of rono they served forty days, and in 1002 served thirty-two days in the coal region, guarding against riots during the coal strikes.
On June 28. 1808. Capt. Groff was married to Miss Nora Bass!er Graybill. daughter of H. W. Graybill, a popular coal and lumber dealer of East Petersburg. To this union has been born one daughter, Leah Deldee. Mr. Groff's home is on the Philadelphia turnpike, just outside the city limits.
i and the jury refused to accept the plea of insanity. Never, however, was a client more ably and intelli- gently defended, and the management of the case I brought Capt. Groff into prominence as a criminal lawyer. In politics he is a Republican, and was three times a delegate to State conventions before he was twenty-eight years of age. For five years he was solicitor for the directors of the poor of Lan- caster county, and was first assistant district at- torney of his county under the law creating that office. He organized and is also the solicitor of the Pennsylvania State Building & Loan Association and the Union Trust Company, both successful financial institutions of his county.
JOHN STAMM (deccased). £ One of the prominent and successful citizens of Lancaster, who has passed out of life, but who is still remembered as a man of integrity and high principle, was John Stamın. a German by birth and parentage, who be- came thoroughly identified with American life and customs.
The birth of John Stamm occurred Dec. 22, 1827, in Willings-Hausen, Kur-Hessen. Germany, a son of John Stamm, who was an extensive farmer in Germany. In 18.18. at the age of twenty-one. vears, Mr. Stamm came to the United States and lo- cated at Lancaster, where he engaged in clerking in a store owned by a Mr. Sprecher. His real life- work. however, was gardening, for which he had unusual taste, and as he followed this pleasant oc- cupation for many years, even until he retired from active labor. he became well-known in the business and his services and advice were always in great demand. Although he was a believer in Democratic principles and supported that party. he could never be prevailed upon to accept office. He enjoyed his
60
:
065
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
fraternal membership with the Odd Fellows organ- ization, and was faithful in his attendance upon the services at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, contrib- uting liberally to its support. He, it was, who bought the ground for that now flourishing congre- gation in said city of Lancaster. MIr. Stamm died Jan. 29, 1883, and was laid to rest in the Zions Lutheran cemetery.
In 1856 Mr. Stamm was married, in Lancaster, io Anna Catharine Dietz, who was born in Waller- staedten, Germany, Dec. 1, 1834, and died June 27. 1897. She was the daughter of John P. Dietz and Anna Barbara (Landau), his wife, the former of whom came to America in 1844, and for many years followed gardening, in Lancaster, during the last ten years of his life, living retired. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stamm were as follows: George P., who died young: Martha E., a well- known resident of Lancaster: John P., who died young : and Carl P., who is a successful dentist, in Lancaster.
MISS MARTHA E. STAMM is highly regarded in Lancaster, in real estate and building circles, her business ability being quite unusual. She possesses most excellent judgment, and Lancaster is indebted to her for the enterprise she has shown in purchas- ing vacant and unimproved property and crecting handsome residences which are attractive and com- fortable, and large business houses which contrib- ute to the appearance of the city, as well as add to its commercial facilities. The family is well known and Mr. Stamm was one of the city's representative men.
JOHN EDWIN RATHFON. who entered into rest on the night of Oct. 4. 1902. at his residence on North Duke street, was one of the best-known fig- ures in the business circles of Lancaster. Indeed. he was widely known in all circles-church, social and business-and everywhere he was spoken of in terms of the highest esteem, for he had a smile and a kind word for everybody. rich or poor: all being alike to him, so far as their worldly condition was concerned.
Mr. Rathfon was born and reared in Lancaster, receiving a good education, and at the completion of his studies, he entered the store of Mivers & Rath- ion (his father, the venerable Jacob Rathfon, now eighty-four years old. being a member of that firm). where he became manager, and a very popular and efficient one he proved. He died in the midst of his busy and useful career, in his fifty-first year. His ancestral history will be found in the sketch of his father, elsewhere in these annals, while the ancestry of his wife, who survives. will be found in the sketches of H. E. Slavmaker and George D. Sprech- er-Mr. Rathfon's wife having been Miss Lillian Reigart. daughter of the late John Reigart, who was in the post office department. the Reigart his- tory appearing very fully in connection with H. E. Slaymaker, whose grandfather, on his mother's side,
was Adam Reigart; while the ancestry of her mother's people is fully given in the sketch of George D. Sprecher, who is a brother of Mrs. Rath- fon's mother. The history of these three families, the Reigarts, the Sprechers and the Rathfons, is ex- tensive as well as interesting.
Mr. Rathion's mother preceded him to the grave, but he had one sister. Mrs. Mary Ellen Rine, widow of the late Christian Rine, a prominent leaf tobacco dealer, and two brothers. J. Harry Rathfon, city treasurer of Lancaster. and Gilbert B. Rathfon, freight agent of the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, at Buffalo. An only son, William E., clerk in the Fulton National Bank, also survives.
Mr. Rathion was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. He was a director of the Union Trust Co .. of Lancaster, a concern in which he took great interest, and which he lived barciv long enough to sce launched in its handsome home on East King street. Liberal in all his views. progressive at all times, courteous and honorable in all his dealings, his taking off in the midst of his usefulness has been universally regretted.
EZRA WISSLER. for many years one of the progressive farmers of Clay township, was a son of Jacob and Anna (Eby) Wissler. and was born in Elizabeth. now Clay township, on the old Groff homestead, Mav 6, 1809. On Nov. 24. 1831, he married Mary Fahnestock Bauman, and began farining on the old homestead. He purchased the first threshing machine in his community, and did the threshing for quite a distance around. In 1839- 40 he built a house and barn on part of the old Groff homestead, then mostly timber land, which he cleared gradually. In 18-6 Mr. Wissler sold the farm to Henry S. Brubaker and removed to Brun- nerville, Pa., where he built himself a house, and where both his sons resided. Aaron having the foundry and machine shop, and John B. the store. Here his wife died in 1886, after which he had a housekeeper until his death, which occurred Nov. 3. 18gt. when he was aged eighty-two years. five. months and twenty-seven days, after an illness of over six months occasioned by pneumonia.
Jacob Wissler, father of Ezra, was born in Clay township in 1778, son of Andrew Wissler, and was one of the successful farmers of his day. following agricultural pursuits until his death which oc- curred in 1853. He had prospered by thrift and in- dustry, and at the time of his death owned four farms. He was a man of considerable energy, and made three journeys to Canada on horseback. He was one of the Old Mennonites of Lancaster coun- ty, but did not ignore altogether the law of self-de- fensc, and one of his descendants still cherishes the cane with which he defended himself against the at- tack of an Indian, when on one of the trips mention- ed. In 1800 Jacob Wissler married Anna, daughter of Christian Eby, and ten children were born to them, namely: Andrew. a farmer and merchant,
666
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
who moved to Michigan, where he died: Jacob, a farmer : Christian, a miller and farmer; Ezra, our subject proper : Magdelena, wife of Jacob Landes, of Ephrata township: Levi, a farmer and tanner ; Sem, a miller of Canada; Marv, wife of Levi Erb; Miss Catherine, deceased ; and John, a tanner, who died in Virginia.
The first member of the branch of the Wissler family in America sailed with his wife from Ger- many to Philadelphia in 1720. On the voyage, to- gether with other able-bodied men on the vessel, he was impressed into the naval service by a man-of- war. His wife continued the journey to Philadel -. phia, where he joined her on the expiration of his term of service. She was employed by a farmier of Germantown, and he also took service with a farm- · er in that locality, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Andrew Wissler, their son, removed to Lancaster county, Pa .. where he entered the em- ploy of Jacob Groff, an extensive farmer in what is now Clay township. In 1767 he married the only daughter of his employer. through whom he became the owner of the old Groff homestead, which was taken up in 1724 by John Jacob Groff, father of Ja- cob. It was divided into four farms by Jacob Wiss- ler, son of Andrew. as mentioned elsewhere, but has ever since remained in the Wissler family. Andrew had two sons, John and Jacob, the former of whom died unmarried.
1
John Bauman Wissler, youngest son of Ezra Wissler, was born in the old homestead May 30, 1836, and in his early years worked on his father's farm. meantime attending common school and a term at the Lititz Academy, under Professor John Beck. There he mastered English, German text and German script writing. He entered the store of Samuel B. Mvers, of Rothsville, as hook-keeper. continuing thus for one year, when Mr. Mvers sold out and removed to Virginia. after which our sub- ject taught school for three terms, working on the home farm during the summer vacation. In 1857 Mr. Wissler married Caroline C. Eberly, daughter of Henry and Sabina ( Markel) Eberlv. of Clay township, and by her had four children : the eldest. Mary Cecilia. died of diphtheria in her eighteenth vear: the second, a son. died of ervsipelas when twenty-nine days old: the third. Alice Olivia, is married to A. E. Lane, of Clay. Lancaster county. by whom she has three children, a daughter, Alice W., and two sons. Abram and John Wissler Lane : the fourth, Sabina Louise, is unmarried and living at home.
After his marriage Mr. Wissler intended to farm, but land was so high in price at the time that it was considered unprofitable to buy, and the Brun- nerville (the Whitehall) store stand being sold on account of the death of Levi H. Yundt, the proprie- tor. the latter was purchased by Ezra Wissler, the father. for his son John B. Mr. Wissler rented it from his father until 18-2. when circumstances be- yond John B. Wissler's control induced his father
to give him the deed to the store property. He kept the store from 1858 to 1892, had the Brunnerville post office established in 1861, and held it as post- master until 1892, when he resigned the office and retired from business, selling his stock of goods to his son-in-law A. E. Lane. Mrs. Wissler died May 10, 1898, of gastritis and heart failure after an ili- ness of over four months.
REV. JONAS H. HESS. The Hess family is one of the old and honorable ones of Lancaster county. Jacob . Hess, the founder of the family there. took up land in Warwick township in 1734, the property since remaining a valued possession in the family.
Rev. John Hess, son of Jacob and grandfather of Rev. Jonas H .. was born in the old homestead in 1768, and there lived and died. He gave his atten- tion to farming through a long life. In 1800 he was ordained a minister of the Gospel of the Old Men- nonite denomination. and he died Nov. 27. 1830. His first wife was Esther Hershey. and their children were: Christian, who was a farmer near Rothsville. Pa .: Henry: Susannah, who was the wife of Joseph Eberly: Esther, who died at the age of sixteen : Annie, who was the wife of Christian Oberholtzer: Barbara, who died at the age of eight years ; Martha, who was the wife of Samuel Obor- holtzer: and Samuel, who died at the age of one vear.
Henry Hess, son of Rev. John and father of Rev. Jonas H .. was born on the old homestead Jan. 17, 1794, and early in life adopted the vocation of farming. following the same with industry. until within about five years prior to his death. which oc- curred June 13. 1807. His religion was the faith of the Old Mennonites. Henry Hess married Cath- erine Huber, and they had a family of thirteen chil- dren, all except one of whom lived to maturity : Ta- cob, who was a miller of Lancaster county. Susan- nah, the wife of Isaac Huber: Catherine, who diei unmarried : Henry. a farmer of Penn township : Es- ther, wife of Joel Eby : Fanny, wife of John H. Bru- baker: John. a farmer of Warwick township : San .- uel, deceased. was a miller of Elizabeth township : Martin, a farmer of Manheim township: Levi. a farmer of Penn township; Annie. wife of John Franck; and Jonas H.
Rev. Jomas H. Hess was born on the old Hess homestead March 13. IS41, and he lived with his father until he was about twenty-three years of age. His education was acquired in the public schools, and he then settled down to an agricultor ... life on the old homestead. Always a man of serious thought and reflection, on Sept. 5. t8No. he was ordained to the ministry of the Old Mennonit: Church by Bishop Jacob N. Brubaker, of Mit. for. a most wise and pious man. In Mr. Hess the church has found a faithful and zealous worker, one wild is noted for his exemplary life and exalted char- acter.
667
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
On Sept. 30, 1862, Rev. Jonas H. Hess was united in marriage with Annie S. Franck, a daugh- ter of Christian and Catherine Franck, and to this union have been born eight children: Lizzie, wife of Henry R. Bucher : Catherine, wife of Amos N. Musser; Christian, farmer on one of his father's farms; Annie, who died when six months old ; Fan- nie F., at home; Henry F., at Lititz; Jonas, who died at the age of four ; and Ellen F., at home.
Rev. Jonas H. Hess is one of Lancaster county's most respected citizens, and is justly regarded as a representative both in his church and in his neigh- borhood. While his interests are claimed by his ministerial office, he is fully alive to those enter- prises which promise to benefit his locality in an agricultural or in a business way.
ARCHIBALD LIGHTNER HENDERSON (deceased), at one time one of the leading citizens and most substantial agriculturists of Salisbury township. Lancaster county, was born there, on his father's farm, May 19, 1803. passed his entire life on the homestead, and there died Dec. 5, 1860: his remains were interred in the Compassville St. John's Episcopal Church cemetery, in Chester county.
William Henderson, father of Archibald L., was born June 8, 1,75, and farming was also his occit- pation through life. When a lad he was appointed a midshipman by President John Adams, but for some reason did not accept the commission. On Aug. 5. 1800, he married Rachel Lightner, who was born Nov. 14. 1777, and died Jan. 22. 1808. The death of William Henderson occurred April II, 1853, and the remains of both were laid to rest in the cemetery of the Compassville St. John's Episco- pal Church, in Chester county. Following are the names and dates of birth and death of the children born to William and Rachel ( Lightner) Henderson. besides Archibald I ..: William A .. born June 6, ISO1, died Sept. 8, 18ro: Lorenzo N., M. D., born Sept. 14, 1805, died Dec. 4, IS44: Rachel L., born Dec. 26. 1807, died in infancy.
On Oct. 2. 1860, Archibald L. Henderson mar- ried, at the home of the bride-a farm adjoining the Henderson homestead-Miss Margaret Ann Linvill. to which union were born the following named children: (1) Rachel died in infancy. (2) William H., born Aug. 14, 1863, died in Connells- ville, Fayette county, March 31, 1901, and his re- mains, which were brought home for burial, were interred in Compassville St. John's Episcopal Church cemetery. He was a civil engineer by pro- fession, and was superintendent of the Light, Hcat & Power Company and the Trolley Company at Connellsville, and surveyor of the company's lines originally. He married Sarah Ann Livingston, who went with her husband to Connellsville Jan. 1. 1896. returning to the homestead at his death. To Will- iam and Saral: Ann (Livingston) Henderson were born three children: John L. ( deceased ). Ruth and
Margaret. (3) John, a member of the Denny Tag & Envelope Company of Chicago, Ill., married Emma Kempton, who has borne him three children. George L., Walter S. and Robert J. (4) Lightner, of the firm of Purdy & Henderson, of New York and Chicago, civil engineers of construction of steel buildings, is a graduate of the Lehigh University. He married Hannah Manson, of Chicago, Ill. (5) Helen is still at home.
Mrs. Margaret Ann (Linvill) Henderson was born April 8, 1827, daughter of John and Margaret ( Hoar) Linvill. of Salisbury township. They lived on a farm adjoining that on which their daugh- ter (Mrs. Henderson) was born. Joim Linvill : now deceased) was a very prominent farmer and a leading citizen in Salisbury township, and for some vears was a member of the board of school directors. His was a life of true usefulness, and was rounded out to a ripe old age, his death occurring in 1871. when he was eighty-one years old; his wife sur- vived him until October. 1885, being called away at the greatly advanced age of ninety years. Both were members of the Society of Friends, and their remains rest in the old Sadsbury Friends' ceme- terv, but the memory of them and their many vir- tues is still fondis cherished by those who knew them best in life.
The late Archibald L. Henderson was a young man when he was elected a justice of the peace. but his decisions were never appealed; he was also a surveyor and conveyancer for several years, and was noted for his accuracy. His declining years were passed in retirement, and he died a member of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Henderson was a Democrat, but he was never an office sceker. He was a natural-horn mechanic, was practical in all things, was industrious and thrifty, upright. charitable and broadminded, and but few men in the township were more honored for personal merit and public spirit.
DAVID M. EYER. of East Donegal township. Lancaster county. president of the First National Bank of Marietta. and general farmer, was born in Lebanon county. Sept. 7. 1830. a son of John and Leal: (Mover : Ever, natives, respectively, of Frank- lin and Lebanon counties. In 1845 the family came to East Donegal township, where John Ever fol- lowed farming on a river farm until his death in 1890, when eighty-four years old, although for some years prior to this event he had withdrawn from active work. His widow lived until 1805, when she passed away at the age of eighty years ; and her re- mains were interred beside her husband's in East Donegal cemetery. The children born to this couple were seven in number, and were in order of birth. as follows: David M .. whose name opens this biography: Benjamin and Eliza- beth, deceased : Henry, a farmer in Abilene. Kan. ; Samuel. farming in East Donegal township : Fannie, wife of Dr. Christopher Gish, of Brookville, Ohio;
668
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
and Anna, who died unmarried. John Eyer, pater- nal grandfather of David M., was a farmer in Frank- lin county, and his maternal grandfather, Benjamin Moyer, was proprietor of an extensive flour and clover-seed mill in Lebanon county.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.