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 65
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David Huber has twice married. his first wife having been Elizabeth Good, a daughter of Christian Good, of Peruca township, and three children were born of this union : Frank, who is an extensive farm- er and stockraiser in Missouri, located twenty miles south of Kansas City, near Belton, in Cass county ; .Catherine, who married Amos Good, of West Lam- peter township ; and one that died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1848. The second marriage of David Huber was to Maria McCartney, a daughter of John McCartney, of Pequea township, and to this union four children were born: Amos, an extensive farmer of Cass county, Mo. : John, who resides at home, engaged in the tobacco packing business, and who is one of the directors in the Southern Market House of Lancaster city : Mary. who married Martin Hess. of Pequea township ; and David H., a farmer of West Lampeter township, and a member of the school board. For many years Da- vid Huber has been a member of the Mennonite Church, and is one of its most esteemed and consist- ent attendants. Although advanced in years, he is still possessed of much of the keen business ability of youth, and is quite capable of attending to the business which his large property entails. The fam- ily is one of honor and respectability in Lancaster county.
JAMES P. MARSH, a general merchant and highly esteemed citizen of Gap. Pa .. was born in this town Oct. 22. 18.16, son of Jehu and Rosanna Marsh, more extended notice of the family being found else- where.
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Mr. Marsh was reared in his native village and acquired his education in the district schools. He carly manifested an inclination for a business life. and began his successful career in the capacity of clerk in the employ of Coates & Thomas Marsh. In 1860 he went to Smyrna, in Sadsbury township. where he was engaged in clerking, when he was ap-
pointed postmaster by President Johnson. In 1873 he left Smyrna and spent one year as a farmer in Sadsbury township, and then became traveling rep- resentative for R. J. Houston. On year later he re- turned to his clerical work, in the employ of the Nicke! Mine store, which was then under the man- agement of Hon. Milton Hcidelbaugh. in which sit- uation he continued for three years. He then was engaged on the mine farm for a period of eight months, when he took charge of Esquire Frees' store which was located in Georgetown, Pa. In 1878 after this varied experience, Mr. Marsh returned to Gap, and in partnership with his father, engaged in a gen- eral mercantile business, and since the death of his tather has operated it alone.
Since assuming sole charge of this business, Mir. Marsh has enlarged its original scope and propor- tions fully one-half, and now carries a large and varied stock, second to none in quantity or quality, in this locality. Under the first administration of President Cleveland. Mr. Marsh was postmaster at Gap, having been a stanch Democrat at that time. With many others of his political faith, he changed his views when Bryan was the nominee for President. and cast his vote for the late President Mckinley. For a long period Mr. Marsh was a leading mem- ber of the Old Democracy in this locality, and very often was sent as a delegate to the county and State conventions. Mr. Marsh is a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, to which his whole family be- longs, and he is a leader in all public movements look- ing to the advancement of his town.
Mr. Marsh was married ( first) in 1871, in Sads- bury township. to Miss Julia Rockey, and two daugh- ters, Anna and Ida, born to this union, both died in infancy. Julia ( Rockey) Marsh was born in Sads- bury township, a daughter of Leonard Rockey. a farmer in the township, and she died in 1875, at the age of twenty-five. The secondi marriage of Mr. Marsh occurred Sept. 5. 1876, in Bart township. when Miss Saliv 1. Johnson became his wife. She was born near Oxford. Chester county, Aug. 3, 1854. daughter of William and Mary ( Speakman) John- son, the former of whom was a wheelwright by trade and a resident of Chester county all his life : there he died Feb. 20. 1897, at the age of sixty-four years. The death of the mother of Mrs. Marsh oc- curred in 1893, when she was aged sixty-two years. and both parents were interred in the cemetery con- nected with the Union Methodist Church at Notting- ham, of which they were members. Their children were as follows: Rev. Charles B., who is a minis- ter located at Strasburg; Mary A., who married Frank Thompson, a farmer near Des Moines, Iowa ; William B., who residles at Andrews Bridge. in Lan- caster county: Harry, who is the foreman of the Pullman Car shops at Wilmington, Del. : Harvey, who is a carpenter in Philadelphia : and Frank, who is a carpenter in Strasburg: Mrs. Marsh being the second of the family. Her paternal grandparents were James and Jane ( Alexander) Johnson, natives
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of England who came to America and lived out their ' mercial or private life. His business interests have lives in Chester county, engaged in farming. The maternal grandparents were joshua B. and Sarah (Mahlan) Speakman, who were English Quakers who settled for life in Chester county. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Marsh have all been spared to them, and are as follows: Alice F., who acceptably taught school for one year, and is now in her father's store : Mary A., who has graduated with high honors at Millersville, and has been a successful teacher for the past four years; and Mabel E .. James G. C., Frances F. and Sarah H., all remaining at home. So- cially the family is prominent, and all number a wide circle of friends.
HENRY C. MILLER, of Rohrerstown. is one of the leading business men of his section of Lan- caster county. He was born March 2, IS50. in East Hempfield township. this county, son of An- drew Miller, and grandson of Henry Miller.
Henry Miller was a land owner in Lancaster county, where he was born and where he spent his entire life. He was a devout member of the Men- nonite Church, and all who knew him respected him for the faith which he so earnestly upheld. He mar- ried a Miss Shenck, and to them were born six chil- dren : Andrew, Henry, John. Jacob, Adeline and Anna. The last named married Philip Hottenstein, now deceasedi.
Andrew Miller was born in East Hempfield township in 1812, and received a practical education in the public schools. Like his father, he followed agricultural pursuits, owning a valuable tract of 200 acres. In politics he was a Republican after the formation of that party, and loval to its principles, but he never sought office. content to use his influ- ence in a quiet way. Mr. Miller married Susan Greider. daughter of Jacob Greider, a farmer of East Hempfield township. and to this union came sev- en children, as follows : Elizabeth, Phares. Adeline. Clara, Annie, Andrew and Henry C. The father died March 28, IS61. and was followed to the better land by his good wife in July, 1892, when she was in her sixty-sixth year. Mrs. Miller was also a mem- ber of the Mennonite Church.
Henry C. Miller was reared on his father's farm, where he received a thorough training to agricul- tural work in all its branches. During his boyhood he attended the local school. On starting out for himself he engaged in farming, carrying on a good sized place until ISS5, when he purchased a gristmill in the township. In ISgo he took up the business of a coal and feed merchant, succeeding Jacob Mauk in this line. Mr. Miller still continues in both enter- prises, having from the start met with success which exceeded his highest expectations. The business has doubled within the last ten years, and is still on the increase. All this has been brought about by Mr. Miller's unfaltering desire to please his patrons, to deal honorably with all, and to retain the esteem of those with whom he is associated, whether in com-
naturally received the greater share of his attention, but though he has given up the active work of farm- ing, he still owns forty-two acres of fine land. The busiest citizens of a community, those who come in daily contact with every phase of its life, know best the public needs and are most concerned in the gen- eral progress. Mr. Miller is no exception to this. and he has ever taken a deep interest in the advance- ment of his town and county. Though not an office seeker, he has consented to serve as township audi- tor, which incumbency he has filled, it is scarcely necessary to say, satisfactorily, for the past ten years. In political opinion he is still a strong Re- publican.
On Nov. 9. 1875, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Elenora Binkley, daughter of William Bink- lev, of East Hempfield township, now deceased. This union has been blessed by one daughter, Alice D., who in ISg& became the wife of W. Scott Bush- ong : they have one child, Bianch. Mr. and Mrs. Bushong occupy a fine residence erected by Mr. Miller, with whom he is associated in business, as clerk and part owner.
JOHN M. WADE presents in his own life an illustration of the value of natural intelligence, grit and honorabie and persistent effort.
John Wade, his father, was born in the North of Ireland, but came to the United States when a young man, landing in Philadelphia, and eventually settling in Butler county, where he entered into the life of a farmer.
John N. Wade was born July 20, 1861, and he acquired his critication in the neighboring schools. When he was thirteen years of age he went to Parker City, in the oil regions, there securing employment with a furniture dealer and undertaker. At the age of seventeen he came back to Butler county, and at- tended the district school for two winters. and for a time he attended the North Washington Academy, later engaging as a teacher. He attended Curry University and Union Business College, Pittsburg. Pa., where he took two courses, and then engaged in teaching in Michigan. His schooling was finally completed at the Northern Indiana Normal School, Valparaiso. Indiana. sustaining himself by teaching and tutoring among the students there attending. until he could graduate. This occurred in 1884, and for five years after he was a teacher in a business college at Wilmington. Del. From there Mr. Wade ; went to Wilkesbarre. where he purchased a half inter- : est in a business college, which he held for a year, and then selling it, located in Lebanon, where in July, 1805, he established the Pennsylvania Business Col- lege, and in June of the following year the College was removed to Lancaster, and located in the Eshle- man Law Building. At once the College sprang into prosperity, and its increased patronage demanded a more commodious location in the Frey Building. Nos. ? and 5 East King street, whither it was re-
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moved in the early part of 1800. By the following spring the school demanded the use of the entire second, third and fourth floors of that great build- ing, and there, ending with july, Igoo, one hundred and seventy-five young men and women were gradu- ated in the studies of bookkeeping, commercial law, stenography, and similar work usually done in a first-class college, in less than twelve months. This college practically never closes, but is in continuous session the entire year. Mr. Wade is assisted in his work by his two brothers, William J. and Robert M. Wade, the first, a thorough teacher of all com- mercial branches, and the latter an expert in short- hand. In addition to the above, able assistants are engaged in each department. The yearly enrollment is about one thousand. The Pennsylvania Business College has proved a blessing, and hundreds of young men are prospering to-day through its instruc- tion.
Mr. Wade is an active member of St. Andrews Reformed Church, where he serves as an enler. In all that he undertakes to do he is conscientious and thorough. Aside from his school business he is ac- complished and skilled in a number of lines of work : and he is the author of valuable text-books on com- mercial subjects which he publishes. Mr. Wale's knowledge is largely of the self-acquired kind. and very practical and serviceable. His versatility is due to continuity of effort.
ISRAEL P. MAYER, the genial and popular proprietor of the "Sycamore Hotel." of Landisville, Pa., has been one of the main factors in the progress and development of his section. He was born ou a farm situated one mile from Rohrerstown, Lancaster county, Feb. 25, ISso, son of Henry and Anna (Hoefgen) Mayer, both of whom were natives of this county, and both of whom have passed irom life
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Jacob Mayer, his grandfather, was a native also of this county, and was a prominent and successful farmer of his time.
Henry Mayer, son of Jacob, and father of Israel P., was for a number of years a laborer, becoming a section boss for the Pennsylvania railroad. He was also an auctioneer, and in his later years retired to a iarm, passing his last days thereon, and dying when about seventy-one years of age. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven. They had a family of fourteen children : Emanuel, deceased : Eliza. de- ceased, first married John Rudisell. and second, Isaac Hurtz: Jacob, deceased ; Maria, the wife of Jacob Gerbach, of Lancaster: Christian. of Lancaster ; Henry, deceased; Abraham, of Indianapolis. Ind. : Sarah Ann, who died unmarried : John, of Trinidad, Colo. : Israel P., of this sketch : Annie, a Mrs. Smith. of Indianapolis : Samuel, of Indianapolis: Emma. the wife of John Lichty, of Columbia ; and Sally, de- ceased.
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years learned the carpenter trade with William Bow- ers, at Landisville, and entered the employ of Israel Brinkheiser of the same place, remaining three years, and later worked with John D. Boering for one year. Mr. Mayer then moved to the country and purchased a farm, continuing in its operation for three or four years, and working in the meantime at his trade. Sir. Maver then moved to Lancaster, and there, after one year of journeyman work, began contracting and building, following this for a period of eigliteen years, becoming the heaviest contractor in Lancaster City. Specimens of his handiwork and skill can be found all over the city, some of the notable buildings erected by him being: the Lancaster Hotel, the Northern Market, the First M. E. Churchi, the West Chestnut street school, the Western M. E. Church. Rativan & Sons establishment on Nortil Duke street, the residence of Henry Cochrane, of James and David Rose, on West Chestnut street, of Henry Rathborn, the row for Myers & Rathborn on East Chestnut, the Lancaster Planing mill, houses on West James street, the Green stone row, on North Duke street, the famous Northern Hotel, and many others that might be cited, among these being a large warehouse on North Queen street, also Jacob Shirk's warehouse, this being the first warehouse erected in Lancaster City which has remained solid on account of its proper construction. Other builders have since fol- lowed Mr. Mayer's plans.
Nr. Mayer was the first man to lay coment pave- ment in Lancaster and he was the principal factor in securing the northern end sewer system for the city. His business operations amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly, while the value of his work in building up the permanent improvements can not be computed. His employes numbered fifty men at times, and he became one of the heaviest tax- pavers in the city. Always a man of public spirit, in 1884, Mr. Mayer accepted an election to the city council and served as a capable member of the board for several terms, declining a last election. In 1896 he removed to Bamford, and there was engaged for a time in the mercantile business and was the means of having a postoffice established at that point, Mrs. Mayer being the first postmistress. Two years later Mr. Mayer removed to Landisville, and took charge of the "Sycamore Hotel," becoming one of the most popular hotel keepers in this section. His wide ac- quaintance through the county and also through the State attracts to his hostelry all of the traveling pub- lic in this section, and in this well appointed and modern inn both friend and stranger are hospitably entertained.
In 1871 Mr. Mayer wedded Elizabeth Dietrich, the estimable daughter of Saul Dietrich, and to this marriage was born one daughter, Annie E., who has been thoroughly educated, and who resides at home. Few men in this locality have displayed more en- ergy and ability than has Isaac P. Mayer. His bus- iness tact and judgment have been only equaled by
Israel P. Maver was educated in the public schools of his township, and at the age of eighteen . his public-spirit, and many sections have had cause to
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feel grateful not only for his progressive ideas. but also for the ability which he showed in carrying them out for the benefit of the public. Mr. Mayer is pe- culiarly well qualified for the position he now hoids. his genial personality and true hospitality making his house one of the favorite resting places for a large part of the traveling public.
JOHN L. GROFF, of Strasburg borough, is one of the leading and representative citizens and be- longs to an old and prominent family of Lancaster county.
John L. Groff was born in the old Groff home- stead March 12, 1847, a son of Emanuel Groff, and was reared on the farm, carly becoming skilled in ag- ricultural labor. His education was pursued in the common schools of the district, and at the age of twenty-four he took charge of his father's farm, con- ducting it on shares for a period of eighteen years, and then purchased it. This most valuable property has been under his care for thirty years, and con- tains 112 acres of some of the best land in the coun- ty. In 1900 he removed into Strasburg, where he crected a fine, modern residence, which is probably just as complete as any in the town, being equipped with electric lights, and hot air heating, in combina- tion with all improvements which are designed to make life comfortable.
On Nov. 10, 1870, John L. Groff was married to Barbara Leaman, a daughter of Tobias and Eliza- beth ( Denlinger ) Leaman, who was born Feb. 21, 1851, in East Lampeter township, and one son, Aaron L., born April 7, 1873, blessed this union. Aaron L. married Lizzie Groff, and they reside in Leacock township, where he is a successful farmer. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groff are consistent members of the Old Mennonite Church, and the family is one of the most highly respected in the community.
JOHN R. FRANTZ, junior member of the mill- ing firm of Frantz & Son, of Millersville, is a worthy representative of an honored old family which has been identified with the business interests of this county for over a century.
Jacob Frantz, his great-grandfather, when a young man, about 1815, purchased property near Leaman Place, east of Lancaster, consisting of a farm of 200 acres and a flouring mill, for which he paid $40,000. Locating here, he devoted the remain- der of his life to the operating of his farm and mill, and being a keen, shrewd business man he accumu- lated much wealth. He was one of the leading and influential citizens of the county, and an active work- er in the Mennonite Church. He died in 1840, at the age of seventy years, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Hershey, died at the age of ninety-five. Of the children born to them two died in early childhood. The others were as follows : (1) Jacob received the mill property and eighty acres of the home farm, where he remained through- out life, dying there at the age of seventy years. He
operated the inill and was often called upon to settle estares for his neighbors. He married but had no children. (2) Joseph is mentioned below. 13) An- nie married Sem Eby. now deceased. and she died at the age of over eighty years. (4) Henry secured a part of the old homestead, where he followed farm- ing for a time, but finally sold out and moved to Bol- timore county, aid. He spent his last years, how ;- ever. in Rock Island, Ilinois.
Joseph Frantz, grandfather of John R., was born near Lititz, Lancaster county, Nov. I. ISoy, and died Ang. 25, 1807. After his marriage he located in East Fari township, where he purchased 113 acres of land and engaged in farming, but finally sold that property and bought eighty-seven acres of land and a mill in Salisbury township. He added to the farm sixteen acres, and operated the mill three years, af- ter which he lived a retired life, while one of his sons conducted the farm until it was sold in 180o. He was a Alennonite in religious belief, was a man of good business ability, and was called upon to settle a large number of estates. He was twice married, his first wife being Annie Martin, his second Bar- bara Kreider, also deceased. In his family were twelve children, seven of whom reached mature years, three of these by the first marriage, and four by the second. They were David, father of John R. : Jacob, who died at the age of nineteen years : Eliza- beth : Hettie, wife of John Brackchill. of Souders- burg : Joseph, who is director of the poor of Lan- caster county, and a retired resident of Souders- bury: Ezra, an engineer on the Pennsylvania rail- road and a resident of Harrisburg : and Barbara, de- ceased wife of Adam Eby.
David Frantz, senior member of the milling firm of Frantz & Son, of Millersville, was born in East Earl townshin, Lancaster county. Dec. 9. 1830, and there grew to manhood on the home farm, attending the public schools of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty he commenced learning the miller's trade at the Brook Mill, in East Earl township, with David Martin, where he spent two years, and then assisted his father in the operations of the farm until he was married in 1863. Later he rented a farm at Good- ville four years, and one in Salisbury township seven years, after which he had charge of his father's mill for twenty-six wears, or until 1900, giving his whole attention to the milling business. With his son John R. he then leased the Groff Mill. or what is more familiarly known as the Normal Mitl. at Millersville. which they are now successfully conducting. Since boyhood he has been an active and consistent men- ber of the Memmonite Church, and while a resident of East Earl township served as a member of the school board. He married Maria Rohrer, a daugh- ter of Benjamin and Mary | Landis; Rohrer. and by this union five children have been born: Ida : John R .: Jacob, a miller of Fairion, N. J .: Anna E., who has been teaching in the public schools of Lancaster county since 1807; and Benjamin, who died at the age of seven years, five months and twenty-five days.
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
Jolin R. Frantz, whose name introduces this re- view, was born May 24. 1865, in Goodville, but was only two years old when the family moved to Salis- bury township, where he was reared and educated. On account of his father being a miller he early be- carne familiar with that business, assisting him in his labors until he started out in life for himself. In 1889 he entered the mill of Michael Moore at Colum- bia, as assistant, but as the position was not con- genial, remained there only a short time, and in 1890 commenced working in the mill of E. E. Hunsecker, with whom he remained three years. During the following three years he was assistant miller for Levan & Sons in Lancaster township, and for two years had charge of the plant as head miller. In 1898 Mr. Frantz leased the John D. Myer's mill at New Danville, a custom and merchants' flouring mill, which he conducted until 1900. On April 7th, of that year, he formed a partnership with his father, under the firm name of Frantz & Son, and leased the Normal Roller Mills, of Millersville, which is also a custom and merchant mill with a capacity of 100 barrels. In this undertaking they are meeting with well-deserved success, for they are thorough mill- ers and capable, enterprising business men.
On Aug. 15. 1889, John R. Frantz was united in marriage with Annie S. Ebv. a daughter of Benja- min and Lizzie (Hoover) Eby, and to them have been born six children, namely: Ira E., Roy E., Eva Amanda, Marie Elizabeth, Lillie May and Willis E. The family are members of the Mennonite Church, and Mr. Frantz is a stanch Republican in politics.
GEORGE HIBSHMAN. In the northeastern portion of Lancaster county but few family names date farther back in the settlement thereof, and none that has been connected with it is more of historic in- terest than the name of Hibshiman, of which George Hibshman is a proud and worthy representative- proud in knowing that his ancestors served the State and nation prominently and ably in both civil and military capacities in the early days of our country's history.
John Gerhard Hibshman, the founder of the fam- ily in America, was a native of Switzerland, and left the land of his birth in 1732, at the age of nineteen. Five years afterward he returned to his native land for his wife, returning with her to America Sept. 24, 1737, in the ship "Saint Andrew," which sailed on that date from Rotterdam, Holland, bound for New York. Upon landing in the New World, where he was to make for himself and family a home, he came to Lancaster county, and. allured by the natural beauty of the country and the richness of the soil, he purchased the tract of land which is now the farm of Israel Miller, four miles north of the borough of Ephrata. and thereon made his home. He and his wife were blessed with four children, viz .: Wendel is mentioned below ; Henry married and moved to Lebanon county. Pa. ; Catharine married an Albrecht,
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