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 94
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REV. JOHN ALLEN CRAWFORD, pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, South Queen street, Lancaster, is a native of West Virginia. born ' April 2, 1868. in the city of Wheeling, and conies of Scottish-English ancestry.
Michael C. Crawford, his father, came to Amer- ica from the North of Ireland about the year 1856, and settled in Wheeling, W. Va. He married Eliza- beth Malinda Alium, daughter of John Allum, of Washington county, Pa. Rev. John Allen Crawford was the second child in a family of six children. the names of the others being Lucy. Virginia Lillian. James Dellmore, William Theodore, and Robert Cecil.
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John Allen Crawford received his earlier edu- cation in part at Lindsley Institute, in part at the 1
high school in Wheeling, from which latter he was graduated with first honors in 1884. He next at- tended the University of West Virginia, at Morgan- town, that state, and after three years' study there he entered the college at Adrian, Mich., from which he was graduated June 21, 1888. In September of the same year Mr. Crawford began his course in the Western Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church, at Allegheny, Pa .; on April 9, 1890, he was licensed to preach. by the Presbytery of Wash- ington, at Claysville, Pa., and on May 7, 1891, was graduated from the Theological Seminary. Im- mediately after his graduation from the seminary he was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale, Mich., and was ordained and installed Sept. 16, 1891, remaining there until Oct. 1, 1894. when he accepted a call to Dillsburg, York Co., Pa., at which place he continued until the spring of 1899, serving the churches at Dillsburg and York Springs. In May, 1899, Mr. Crawford accepted the call to the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, and was installed pastor thereof June 8, 1899. He has since met with gratifying success, the church having steadily grown under his pastorate.
This, in brief, is the interesting career of one who, although a resident of Lancaster but a com- paratively short time, has made his influence great!y felt in this community, and being in the very vigor of young manhood his future is full of bright promise, for all who know him and have watched his progress look confidently for the fullest fruition of the good seed thus early sown by him.
On June 14, 1893, Mr. Crawford was married at Ridgway, Pa., to Miss Blanche Webster Powers. daughter of H. M. Powers, a prominent member of the Bar of Ridgway. Mrs. Crawford's family were from Maine, and related to Daniel Webster, the fa- mous statesman and orator ; she is also connected. by descent, with Gen. Stark, of Revolutionary fame.
EDGAR B. KREADY, a thriving young to- bacco packer and merchant at Mountville, Lancaster county, was born in Manor township, same county. Oct. 29, 1866, and is a son of Jacob C. and Mary (Bowers) Kready, natives of West Hempfield town- ship.
Jacob C. Kready was a farmer and distiller in Manor township in his early days, but abandoned dis- tilling in 1861. He served as county commissioner, and held at different times various township offices. He died in Manor township in October, 1884. at the age of fifty-six years, a member of the Reformed Church at Rohrerstown, where his remains were buried. Mrs. Kready still has her residence in Manor township. She was born in 1842. To Jacob C. and Mary Kready were born seven chil- dren, viz .: Alfred B., a farmer of Manor township : Elizabeth, living with her mother ; Emma B., wife of C. F. Charles, a farmer in Manor township; John, a farmer, living with his mother; Edgar B., whose name opens this review ; Mary, wife of Jacob Mow-
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E. B. Stready .
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
rer, in the machine business at. Lancaster; and Harry, deceased.
Edgar B. Kready lived upon the home farm until 1893, when he came to Mountville, as he had, al- though a Republican, been appointed by Grover Cleveland-Democratic President of the United States-postmaster at Mountville. On coming to Mountville he engaged in mercantile business in con- nection with his post office duties, and also began buying, packing and selling tobacco. On Nov. I, 1899, Mr. Kready discontinued the general merchan- dising branch of his business, and went into partner- ship with his brother-in-law, C. F. Charles, confining himself exclusively to the tobacco trade.
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In April, 1895, Edgar B. Kready was united in marriage, in Columbia, Pa., with Miss Laura M. Walker, and this union has been crowned with three children-Marion W., Esther W. and Mary Eliza- beth. Mrs. Laura M. (Walker) Kready was born in West Hempfield township Aug. 10, 1873, and is a daughter of Christian F. and Esther A. (Kelley) Walker. Her father, who was a contractor and builder, in 1889 removed his family to Columbia, and was killed in Lancaster city, by a fall from a scaffold, Jan. 8, 1890, at the age of fifty-two years. He had served as a private in the war of the Rebellion, and was a member of the G. A. R., a Mason and an Arti- san. To Christian F. and Esther A. Walker were born three children, viz. : Mary M., wife of Harry Forry, of Columbia : Laura M .; and William, who died in infancy.
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Edgar B. Kready, William and Martha ( Fridy) Walker, were natives of West Hempfield township; the grand- father was born in 1816, and lived retired in Kleins- ville, Lancaster county, where he died Oct. 14, 1901 ; the grandmother was called away in 1885, at the age of seventy-five years. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Kready, John and Mary ( Houghendougler) Kelley, were also natives of West Hempfield town- ship, where Mr. Kelley. was a raftsman on the river, and where he died; his widow then married John Kame.
Edgar B. Kready is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., affiliating with Lodge No. 65, at Mountville ; and also unites with the Knights of Malta, No. 159, at Lancaster ; and the K. of M. C., at Mountville. In politics he is a Republican, and he is a very popular young man with his party, but has never sought an office. He is known in the business world as a "hustler," one who drives his business.
D. JEFFERSON HERR, an enterprising young farmer of Strasburg township. was born there July 5, 1873, son of C. S. B. and Lizzie A. Herr. The father is deceased, and the mother now makes her home in West Lampeter township.
Our subject was given a good practical educa- tion in the public schools of his native township. He was reared to farming on the place he now conducts and since he commenced life on his own account has
given all his attention to that occupation, with grati- fying results, it must be conceded. In 1897 he took full charge of the home place, which comprises 100 acres of valuable land, devoted to general crops. Mr. Herr has already displayed a most progressive spirit and advanced ideas, as regards the development of both the agricultural interests and the welfare of his section in general. He bids fair to become a worthy representative of a family which has stood second to none in Lancaster county for generations.
On Sept. 4, 1900, Mr. Herr married Miss Cora L. Groff, daughter of Henry L. Groff, of that town- ship. In religion Mr. and Mrs. Herr are members of the Old Mennonite Church. Politically he is a Republican.
SAMUEL S. SHELLY, general farmer and fertilizer agent, was born in Rapho township Dec. 1, 1868, a son of Emanuel and Anna (Shearer) Shelly, of Rapho and Mt. Joy townships, respect- ively,
The parents now reside near Manheim, in Rapho township, where they reside on and conduct a fine farm. The following children blessed their | union : Samuel S .; Anna, wife of Aaron Peters, a Rapho township farmer : Emma, who died in child- hood ; Emanuel, who died in youth : Nathan, living with his father; and Amos, Maria, Ephraim, Har- vey, Lizzie, Minnie and Emma, all residing at home with their parents. The grandparents of Samuel S. Shelly were Samuel and Maria (Ager) Shelly, of Lancaster county.
In 1890, at Manheim, Samuel S. Shelly was mar- ried to Miss Emma A. Keener. There have been born to this union the following children: Daisy K., Mabel K. and Minnie K. Mrs. Emma ( Keen- [ er) Shelly was born in Rapho township in 1867, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Fretz) Keener, of Lancaster county. The father died on his farm in March, 1900, at the age of fifty-eight years, and is buried in Sterns' Meeting House cemetery. Mrs. Keener was born in 1848, and is still living in Rapho township. The following children of this union are living: Clayton, a farmer occupying the homestead; Maggie, unmarried, residing with her mother ; and Emma, wife of Mr. Shelly.
Samuel S. Shelly lived in the farm with his par- ents until his marriage, receiving in the meantime a good education in the public schools of the dis- trict. After his marriage he worked for his father on a share proposition until 1894. when he pur- chased and removed to his present home. He has been more than usually successful, which fact is due to his careful and thrifty habits. He is a Re- publican in politics, but has not yet sought for nor held office. Friendly to all, he commands the best wishes and respect of his neighbors. Mr. Shelly has at heart the best interests of his township, and allows no opportunity to pass which enables him to assist in measures for the improvement of the vi- cinity both socially and financially.
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
CLAYTON F. KEENER, brother of Mrs. Samuel S. Shelly, is a general farmer of Rapho township, and was born on the family homestead, where he now resides, Aug. 27. 1871. As already mentioned, the father died in 1900, while his widow resides in the township, near Chiques Church. Mr. Keener's grandfather, Joseph Keener, died in Milton Grove. in May, 1899, at the age of eighty-four years. For several years prior to his death, he lived retired. resting from the cares of business in which he had for so many years been so actively engaged. Mr. Keener's grandparents on his mother's side were Daniel and Margret Fretz. In March, 1897, in Manheim, Clayton F. Keener was married to Miss Amanda Metzger. One child, Jacob L., has been born to them. Mrs. Keener was born near Mid- dletown, Dauphin Co., Pa. Mr. Keener has, as stated, always lived on the family homestead. and under his management the place has yielded an abundant income. He is a Republican in politics. and takes an active interest in the affairs of the party. He is well known and well liked in his dis- trict, and, being progressive in all his tendencies. will some day, undoubtedly, take a prominent posi- tion in his community.
ALDUS C. MYLIN, a prominent and substan- ยท. tial farmer and stock raiser of West Lampeter town- ship, Lancaster county, has been identified with The improvement and progress of that section for many years, residing on the old family homestead, which is located adjacent to the village limits of Willow- street.
John B. Mylin, his father, resided upon the place previous to his retirement, at which time Aldus C., having been prepared by training, for an agri- cultural life, took charge of the estate, which he has most successfully managed ever since. The orig- inal homestead consisted of 126 acres of fine land. and to this Aldus C. Mylin has added two other tracts, of considerable extent, one of sixty acres. in West Hempfield, and another of 100 acres, in Manor township : he is also the owner of a number of lots and smaller tracts. Some of his land is peculiarly adapted to the raising of stock and cattle, and is used for that purpose, as Mr. Mylin is much interested in and very successful in the breeding of stock : some of his horses have been regarded as very valuable. His stock and cattle are all high grade, and he has taken great pains to introduce only the finest strains into the neighborhood, thus benefiting his locality, and setting an example for others.
All of the properties belonging to Aldus C. Mylin may be recognized by the excellence of the improve- ments, and the air of thrift and prosperity which surrounds them, Mr. Mylin taking a personal in- terest in their preservation and adornment. He is known far and wide as a man of great generosity. ever ready to extend the helping hand, and although he has sometimes been the victim of ingratitude he has not lost faith in the world, and keeps on his
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Christian way. Although a stanch Republican, from principle, he has never sought nor consented to hold political office. Mr. Mylin received his education in the common schools.
Aldus C. Mylin was married March 29, 1885, to Adaline Herr, daughter of David O. and Mary Ann ( Huber) Herr, who was born in Manor town- ship, on the old homestead. near Creswell ( formerly known as Turkey Hill), March 5. 1857. After mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Mylin began housekeeping where they have resided ever since, and they are among the most respected members of the community.
David Herr, the father of Mrs. Mylin, was born on the farm in Manor township June 30. 1826, son of David and Barbara ( Olenweiler) Herr, and died Sept. 16, 1800. He was reared on the farm where he lived for a long time after marriage, residing there at the time of his death. His wife was born in West Hempfield, near Mountville. July 18, 1832. daughter of John and Elizabeth Huber, and died Nov. 19, 1876. A family of ten children was born to them : One that died in infancy: John, who became a resident of the West ; Emma, residing in Miliers- ville: Elizabeth, who married Jacob B. Herr, of Fulton township; Adaline, who married Aldus C. Mylin : Anna Mary and Susan, twins, deceased ; Ida, deceased, who married Amziah Herr: Fannie, de- ceased, and one that died in infancy. The members of this family were consistent members of the Evangelical Church.
CLAYTON LANDIS GRABILL, the popular grocer of West King street, Lancaster, descends from ancestors who came from Germany to this country about 1700. settling in Lancaster county, and furnishing to this section some of its most re- liable and trustworthy people. John Grabill, his great-grandfather, was a farmer at Bareville. His father. Abram R. Grabill, was a farmer near Earl- ville, Lancaster county, and married Fianna Landis, daughter of Benjamin Landis, a farmer of Bareville. The children of this union are as follows: Henry ' M., a farmer in Kansas ; Ida A., wife of J. H. Black, a merchant tailor at Akron, Lancaster county : Clay- ton L., of Lancaster : Landis B., at home; Ella, at home : Minnie C., wife of Rev. G. W. Hangen, of Lebanon ; and Carrie, at home.
Clayton Landis Grabill was born on the old home- stead. near Farlville. in 1866, and was educated in the public schools of the district, attending until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he came to Lancaster and entered the grocery store of his uncle. with whom he remained seven years. At the expira- tion of that time he opened business on his own ac- count, establishing a store on West King street. which has become very popular under his careful and attentive management, and where he is found at the present time. So successful was Mr. Grabill in his efforts to please the public that he was en- couraged to open a branch store at the corner of North Queen and Lemon streets, which, conducted
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
on the high plane on which he has always done busi- ness, has commanded a very good patronage.
Mr. Grabill married Miss Orpha Good, daughter of Daniel D. Good, well known in connection with the cattle trade. Mr. Grabill is an active and earnest member of the Covenant U. B. Church, of which he has been a trustee for the last ten years. No man of his years has shown more progressive business methods than has Mr. Grabill. Both his stores are constantly stocked with the latest and the best goods, and courtesy, fair dealing and a readiness to oblige and accommodate have won wide patronage.
ABRAM K. ROHRER, member of the whole- sale florist firm of A. K. Rohrer & Co., Lancaster, was born in West Lampeter, Lancaster county, Nov. 16, 1872, son of Henry D. Rohrer, who is now par- tially retired from the florist business.
Mr. Rohrer lived with his parents during his youth and early manhood, and received a practical education in the public schools of his neighborhood. In 1893 he became associated with the business life of Lancaster as a partner of L. S. Landis, of this city, continuing thus until June 1, 1902, and he has since allied his energies with the firm of A. K. Rohrer & Co., florists. He is regarded as one of the promising and capable business men of Lancaster.
On April 2, 1901, Mr. Rohrer married Anna E. Edgerly, daughter of Capt. Edward Edgerly, of this city. Mr. Rohrer is a member of the I. O. O. F .. Lodge, No. 1104, and is a Republican in National politics.
HENRY D. ROHRER, father of Abram K., was born in East Lampeter, Lancaster county, in March, 1847, son of Abraham and Susan (Denlinger ) Roh- rer, of East Lampeter, and grandson of Jacob Rohrer, who lived and died on his farm in Lampeter ; he was of Swiss extraction. Abraham Rohrer was a farmer in early life, but retired from business cares during the last twenty years preceding his death. which occurred in 1901, at the age of eighty-eight years. He is buried in Mellinger cemetery, beside his wife, who died in 1892, when eighty-three years of age. Born of this union were the following chil- dren : Abraham D .. who died in 1901 ; John D. E., a retired farmer ; Henry D. : Benjamin, living on the old homestead at Fast Lampeter ; and Anna D., who married Jacob Landis, a retired farmer of East Lam- peter.
After attaining his majority Henry D. Rohrer left the paternal farm and went to that of his father- in-law, which he managed for about five years. In 1875 he bought with the proceeds of his toil some property in Lancaster, upon which he started a florist business with his brother Abraham D., con- tinuing the same with marked success for eighteen years. The brother then entered upon a retail florist business, and Mr. Rohrer built the present wholesale plant at the end of East Orange street, which he still owns and manages. He has accomplished great good for his special part of the town, and may be
said to have entirely laid out the east end at his own expense, planting trees and shrubs, and otherwise imparting an air of thoughtful care to an erstwhile neglected suburb. The greenhouses, which have no superior, and which are still managed by him, are known from one end of the State to the other, and in many of the large cities in the surrounding States. In addition to roses, violets and carnations the firm ships more mushrooms than any other one concern in the State. They do only a wholesale business.
In October, 1869. Mr. Rohrer married Mary Kreider, daughter of Tobias Kreider, a retired farm- er living in West Lampeter, at an advanced age. To Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer have been born three chil- dren : Abram K., Harry K. and Ella.
JACOB L. SNYDER. The agricultural inter- ests of Lancaster county, are in no danger of neglect as long as such active and progressive young men are at the helm as is Jacob L. Snyder, the sub- ject of this biography.
Mr. Snyder was born Jan. 14, 1872. a son of Christian and Susan (Longenecker) Snyder, of Warwick township, the former being one of the leading agricultural men of that section living near the town of Lititz. The grandfather of Jacob L. Snyder, was Christian Snyder, well known in his day as a wealthy and respected man, and reared these children: Simon, a farmer in Clay township : Hiram, of Stevens ; Mrs. Mary Nolt, of Hinkletown ; Mrs. Barbara Striner, of Murrell: Abraham A .. a farmer near Murrell ; and Christian B., the father of Jacob L.
Christian B. Snyder married Susan Longe- necker, in 1866, and four children were born of this union : Agnes, who married Jacob Wissler, of Clay township: Jacob L .. of this sketch: Amanda, who died in childhood ; and Nathan, born Nov. 20, 1876, who married, Oct. 10, 1897, Einma Brubaker.
Jacob L. Snyder was born on.the farm in War- wick township, and grew up accustomed to agri- cultural pursuits, receiving his education in the ex- cellent common schools of his district. The fine cul- tivation which his farm of eighty-three acres shows, and the improvements mark him as one of the pro- gressive, careful and successful farmers of this party of the county. Prosperity has smiled upon him. but it is because he has carefully attended to his affairs, living an industrious and upright life, and possessing the respect and esteem of his neighbors.
On Aug. 10, 1893. Jacob L. Snyder was married to Miss Sadie H. Walter, of Lititz, the estimable daughter of Jacob and Kate (Hacker) Walter, of Lititz, and to this union has come one son, Christian Walter, born Nov. 6, 1895. The farm of our sub- ject is pleasantly located about one-half mile east of the town of Lincoln, and thus the family can en- joy both town and country associations. Reared in the Mennonite faith, Jacob L. Snyder has lived an upright life, and possesses every requisite for a long, happy and usciu! career.
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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY
EZRA H. ZERCHER is a young farmer of East Donegal township who is rapidly coming into notice as thoroughly awake and progressive in his calling, that of agriculture, to which he has devoted his life. Mr. Zercher is engaged both as a general farmer and as the manager of the chop mills, which are very popular among his neighbors as a means of getting cattle feed in the best shape, and at moderate prices.
Ezra H. Zercher was born in Conestoga town- ship, Lancaster county, Jan. 19, 1870, son of Jacob Zercher, whose family history and personal sketch are found elsewhere. Mr. Zercher was married, Nov. 24, 1893. at the home of the bride's parents, in the township of Rapho, to Lizzie F. Hertzler, and the following children have been born to this union : Howard H., who is deceased; Anna, deceased ; and Beulah.
Mrs. Lizzie F. (Hertzler) Zercher was born in Rapho township, Aug. 10, 1874, daughter of John H. and Salinda (Forney) Hertzler, who were born in Manor and West Donegal townships, respectively. They are now living in Rapho township, where they are spending their last days in quiet and peace, hav- ing given up the active care and labor of life to younger and more vigorous hands.
Ezra H. Zercher remained at home with his par- ents until his marriage, when he began business for himself on a farm of eighty-four acres in East Done- gal, where he did well, making many friends by his industrious habits and upright character. In Igot he bought a farm of seventy-four acres, three-fourths of a mile south of Mt. Joy, and a few days after making the purchase, with the kind aid of his neigh- bors, he tore down the old structures, which were probably the oldest in the locality, the rude figures upon the builder's stone indicating the year 1765. These structures are now laid low with the ground, and in their place is erected a new house and barn, with all the modern improvements. In 1902 Mr. Zercher moved from the old farm to his new home, which he has just completed. The chop mill, which is noted above, was put up for Mr. Zercher in June, 1899, by Stauffer & Newcomer, of Mt. Joy, and is operated by a twelve-horse power gasoline engine. It is a fine piece of machinery, and is regarded as one of the best in the county.
In politics Mr. Zercher votes the Republican ticket, and in his religious convictions he is a de- vout member of the Church of the River Brethren, to which the Zercher family have long belonged.
ALBERT HARTMAN. One of the progres- sive and successful business citizens of Lancaster county is Albert Hartman, the leading hatter, who conducts a large hat and gents furnishing store at Columbia, and another, equally prosperous, in Lan- caster. Mr. Hartman owns and carries on the oldest hat store in the county, having lately purchased the Arnold hat store, in the Zahm building, located on the Square, in Lancaster.
Mr. Hartman was born in Columbia July 1, 1860, son of John and Elizabeth ( Heller ) Harumar. the former of whom had been born and reared with his parents in York county, and the latter at Colum- bia, in Lancaster county. In 1847 Mr. Hartman moved to Columbia, where he engaged in painting. contracting and decorating for some years, and later became a successful speculator in real estate. His death took place Aug. 2, 1895, when he was aged sixty-five years. His widow, now aged sixty-nine years, is one of the very highly esteemed residents of Columbia. The children born to John and Elizabeth Hartman were: William, a decorator, living in Columbia : Emma, who died young ; John, a resident of Columbia: Anna, who died young: Charles, of Columbia ; and Albert, whose home is also in Coluim- bia, although he does business also in Lancaster, as noted.
Mr. Hartman was reared in Columbia, and there attended the public schools until he was twelve years of age, when he entered the hat and furnishing goods store of H. H. Lockard, as a clerk, remaining there four years, during which time he became thorough- ly instructed in the details of the business. He then accepted a position in a merchant tailoring establish- ment, and two years later again became associated with the hat business, with M. P. Roop, with whom he remained three years. Mr. Hartman had now reached the age of twenty, and had so completely learned his business that he felt qualified to embark in the same line, opening up a business in hats and gents furnishings which has continued to gather fresh patronage since its start. On April 24, 1902, he purchased the above mentioned store in Lancas- ter, and has invested a large capital, which is bring- ing him ample and satisfactory returns. His long experience in this line enables him to buy and sell to advantage, while his trade connections are such as to insure the best and latest designs in his very complete line.
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