USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families > Part 11
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THOMAS SYDENHAM STEIN, an educator of Lebanon county, and a citizen of Annville, was born April 7, 1848, in North Annville, a son of Dr. Henry and Matilda R. (Seltzer) Stein.
Dr. Henry Stein was born in Annville, October 22, 1807, a son of Philip and Mary Ann ( Stoever) Stein, who were born in Annville, where the former followed the trade of hatter for many years, becoming prominent in the locality, and serving as justice of the peace. Dr. Henry Stein was educated in his native place, and read medicine with Dr. David Marshall, attending medical lec-
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tures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, subsequently taking a course at Baltimore. For about thirty years he practiced his profession in Ann- ville, and he died May 16, 1861. His wife, Matilda R. (Seltzer) Stein, whom he married October 13, 1840, was born April 12, 1818, in Jonestown, Pa., and died May 28, 1899, a daughter of John George and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Seltzer, the latter of whom was born May 27, 1782, and died December 19, 1859.
John George Seltzer was born October 16, 1782, in Jonestown, Lebanon county, and died February 19, 1840, having been a prominent merchant and a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. To John George and Elizabeth (Zimmerman) Seltzer, were born children as follows: Samuel, born August 31, 1801, became a physician, practiced in Columbus, Ohio, and died there in 1852; Sarah, born April 6, 1804, married John Capp, died November 17. 1863; Mary, born May 30, 1806, died unmarried, January 26, 1881, on the old homestead; Elizabeth, born December 3, 1808, married John Diller, and died September 8, 1849; George, born October 12, 1810, died June 13, 1830; Priscilla. born February 13, 1813, died July 20, 1831 : John C., born October 12, 1815, served in the Pennsylvania Legislature, and died in 1891; Matilda R., born April 12, 1818, married Dr. Henry Stein, and died May 28, 1899; Sabina, born December 17, 1820, married Rev. Hoffmeier, of Manchester, Md., and died May 2, 1882; and Thomas, born April 26, 1824, died January 3, 1882.
Dr. Henry and Matilda R. (Seltzer) Stein became the parents of children as follows: (1) Ann Eliza, born April 8, 1841, died February 18, 1843. (2) George Seltzer, born September 9. 1842, was educated in the public schools and Annville Academy, and read medicine with Dr. Schneck, of Lebanon. He then took a course of lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and was soon after appointed assistant sur- geon of the War Hospital at Philadelphia. In 1867 he went to Columbus, Ohio. and has since practiced there, with marked success. (3) Ann Mary, born December 14, 1844. died November 26, 1869. (4) Emma Clarissa. born February 10, 1847, died August 8, 1847. (5) Thomas Sydenham is mentioned below. (6) Ellen Jane, born August 24, 1850, died December 15. 1850. (7) Philip Titus, born November 1. 1851, died July 4, 1853. (8) Philip Calvin, born April 16, 1854, died February 20, 1856. (9) Henry Augustus, born March 27. 1857, was educated in Annville, and became a teacher of music, but died May 22, 1886. The Stein family has long been associated with the Reformed church, as were the Seltzers with the Lutheran church.
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Prof. Thomas S. Stein received his education in the public schools, Ann- ville Academy, and the Lebanon Valley College, attending the latter up to the junior year, finishing his studies at Franklin and Marshall College, grad- nating there in 1874. He adopted teaching as his profession, and after leaving college continued teaching, for twenty-five years, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland. For several years he had charge as teacher and principal of the Schuylkill Seminary, at Fredericksburg, Pa., and was connected with that school for thirteen years, having been with it when it was located at Reading, and going with it upon its removal to Fredericksburg in 1886. From 1894 to 1895, and from 1897 to 1898, he was an instructor of Latin, Greek and German at Albright College, at Myers- town, Pa., but in 1898 he returned to his old home in Annville. At present (1903) he is teaching German in Lebanon Valley College.
On June 22, 1888, Prof. Stein was united in marriage with Sadie E. M. Campbell, who was born at Linden Hall, Center county, Pa., a daughter of George W. and Eliza M. Campbell, both of whom were born in Center county, the former February 4, 1820 (died November 15, 1896), and the latter January 15, 1828. The children of these parents were as follows : Eliza- beth is deceased; David M., born January 18, 1849, resides in Linden Hall; John Elmer, born August 14, 1850, is also at home: Sarah Margaret, born October 26. 1852, is the wife of Prof. Stein: Jane Ella, born March 13, 1856, died August 27, 1865; Mary W., born in 1858, died in infancy; Mary W. (2), born May 26. 1860, died Jan. 15, 1865; Nannie, born April 18, 1862, married James C. Gilliland, in 1894, and resides at Oak Hall, Center county ; and George W., born May 3, 1871, died August 17, 1876.
HENRY SHENK, a retired merchant, now living at his elegant home on Cumberland street, Lebanon, Pa., has been widely known in his vicinity for many years. He was born in Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, August 5. 1828, and comes of one of the oldest families of his section.
John Shenk, great-grandfather of Henry Shenk, was one of the first pioneers of Lebanon county, and settled before the Revolution at the old homestead, which is still in existence, a place called Buffalo Springs, and situ- ated in Heidelberg township, Lebanon county, being seven miles southeast of the city of Lebanon.
Joseph Shenk, son of John and grandfather of Henry Shenk, was one of the early Lebanon county farmers. He was born October 12, 1779, and was married October 17, 1802, to Fannie Ober, of Mastersonville, Lancaster county. They had eighteen children, namely : John, Barbara. Jacob ( father
HENRY DE LOS SHENK.
Nary Shink
Henry Thank.
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of Henry), Elizabeth, Henry, Mary, Fannie, Joseph, Mary, Molly, Catherine, Annie, Rebecca, John, Sarah, Lydia, Susanna, and one unnamed. Mrs. Fannie (Ober) Shenk died April 23, 1856. At her death there were living eighty grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren.
Jacob Shenk, father of Henry, was born in 1806, and resided in Lebanon County throughout his life. Reared to farm work, upon reaching manhood he continued that occupation, and became one of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of his section. In early manhood he married Magda- lena Miller, and they had eight children : Henry is mentioned below : Joseph and Fannie are now deceased; John lives retired in Illinois ; Christian is a resi- dent of Lebanon ; Catherine married Abraham Oberholtzer, of Lebanon ; Jacob M. is living in retirement in Lebanon; and Michael, the youngest, is also a resi- dent of Lebanon. Jacob Shenk, the father, was a man of ability, and a thor- ough Christian gentleman. In religious sentiment he belonged to the Re- formed church, and in politics he affiliated with the Republicans. He died in 1874.
Henry Shenk remained on the home farm until he was eighteen, receiving his education in the public schools of his neighborhood, and his physical train- ing through vigorous farm labor. Upon leaving home he went to Berks county, and secured a position as clerk in a general store. Here he remained for a number of years, acquiring an experience, which he afterward turned to good account. Possessed of a superior amount of prudence and keen business insight, he was enabled during this period, though receiving by no means a munificent salary, to lay aside the neat little sum of three hundred dollars, with which to start in business by himself. With this small sum, in 1851, he courageously opened a store of his own at Hamlin, Lebanon county. This he conducted with much success for six years, when he sold out and engaged as clerk in the George & Pile establishment in Lebanon. After two years, how- ever, seeing a good opening for a clothing store, he purchased a stock of Reizenstein & Bro., and again went into business by himself. Three years later he closed out his supply of clothing, which he replaced by a large stock of dry goods. After a prosperous period he disposed of his Lebanon business entirely, and, moving to Philadelphia, became a salesman for. Hood, Bonbright & Co., and so remunerative was this business that he continued it for ten years. Having by this time amassed considerable wealth, he now, in company with a Mr. Hall, under the firm name of Hall, Shenk & Co., opened a large wholesale dry goods house in Philadelphia, which he continued with his usual success, for eight years. After a few more years in Philadelphia he returned to his old home in Lebanon, where he has since remained.
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About the time of starting into business by himself, in January, 1851, Mr. Shenk married Elizabeth Groh, of Lebanon county, who was born in 1830, daughter of Henry Groh, a resident of the county. She was a faithful help- mate for many years, and died in 1896. By her, Mr. Shenk had four children, three of whom grew to maturity, but Mary and Catherine are now deceased; and Harry J., who is engaged in the dry goods business with C. & H. J. Shenk, of Lebanon, married Elizabeth Sarah Beaumont Hempstead, of Philadelphia, and they have two children, Henry DeLos Shenk and Beatrice Elizabeth Shenk.
Mr. Shenk is an exceptionally well-preserved man for one of his years, and possesses a remarkable memory. In manner, he is affable and kind, and he wins the friendship of all who know him. Though he has centered his forces upon business, he has always manifested a keen interest in politics, and he votes the Republican ticket. Religiously he belongs to the Old Lutheran Church of Lebanon; and fraternally affiliates with the I. O. O. F. Strict attention to business, an unlimited capacity for work, frugality, and temperate habits have been promoters of his success.
WILLIAM AULT, during his active life an honored resident of Leba- non county, was born in North Annville township, in IS27, and died in 1872. His ancestors, more thoroughly German in their personal character- istics, spelled their name Auldt, and lived and flourished in the State of Maryland, longer ago than authentic records extend. The fertile acres upon which they gathered their crops and fed their kine constituted what is now the immediate vicinity of the capital of the United States, although later members of the family entered the ranks of commerce and trade, as indi- cated by William Ault. the father of the above mentioned William, who was a tanner by trade, as well as a farmer. The father married Elizabeth Black, who, like himself, was a native of the State of Maryland, and who bore him several children.
As was natural under the circumstances, William Ault. the younger, grew up in the shadow of the tannery, and while still young had a fair understanding of the business. Although so many years have passed since he passed from the familiar haunts of Lebanon county, he is recalled as possessing good business ability, and traits of character which won him a high place in the community. Of him it may be said that his marriage was the turning point in his career, for thereby he received an added inspiration to well doing. His wife and helpmate was formerly Mary A. Reisner, of Lebanon county, a daughter of John Reisner, who came from Germany to
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America when sixteen years of age. The marriage, consummated in 1855, resulted in the birth of seven children, five of whom grew to maturity : Albert C., a resident of Illinois; William, deceased; Emma L., also living in Lebanon; Clara C., of Sacramento, Cal .; and Minnie E., the wife of William Karch, and the mother of three children, Ralph, Catherine and Ruth. Mr. Karch is one of the promising and very enterprising young business men of Lebanon, a stanch Republican, and an active member of the Evangelical church.
Special mention is due Mrs. William Ault, who, after her husband's death, came to Lebanon with her children to support, and with but a hundred dollars to her name. Like the Spartan mothers of old her sole thought was for the education and training of those entrusted to her care, and in the light of so urgent a responsibility opportunities seemed to unfold for her development and utility. With her little hoard she opened a shop on Cum- berland street, Lebanon, and here, for thirty years, conducted a millinery establishment, which grew in proportions as her reputation for skill and reliability became known. She was thus enabled not only to fulfill her expectations in regard to her children, but managed to save considerable money over and above expenses, which was invested in valuable property at Nos. 708, 710 and 712 East Cumberland street. She possessed truly remarkable financial ability, and by her tact and genial personality won and kept the trade of the best and most exacting people for miles around. She was more than a business woman, for her strong character penetrated many avenues of usefulness, and she was equally at home in society and church. An active and enthusiastic member of the Evangelical church, she was a teacher in the Sunday-school for many years, a regular attendant at prayer meeting and general services, and a promoter of all lines of church work. She was also a stanch promoter of temperance, and one of the hardest workers in the Women's Christian Temperance Union of Pennsylvania. A truly fine and noble woman, she inspired the love and esteem of all with whom she was associated, and her death caused a void possible only through the loss of one gifted with such largeness of heart, great moral and intel- lectual strength, and many sided usefulness.
CYRUS HITZ, one of the well-known farmers of South Annville town- ship, Lebanon county, Pa., whose long agricultural experience enables him to operate successfully one of the finest farms of his section, was born in Cornwall township. Lebanon county, October 10, 1831, a son of Lantz Hitz. who was born in Germany.
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Lantz Hitz started for America when still a lad, but the parents and all but two of the children died on board ship without ever seeing the land of their hopes. The brother and sister who survived were cared for and bound out to service to different parties, Lantz falling into the hands of a very hard master, who resided near Philadelphia. The child endured unkind treatment for three years, and then ran away, finally reaching Corn- wall township. Here he found work and friends, and later married Mary Fees, a daughter of Samuel Fees, and in the course of time moved to South Annville township, where he was employed on the Gingrich farm. His industry brought him success, and when he died he owned a farm of his own, located on the Horseshoe turnpike road, near Fontana. To him and his wife were born children as follows : John, who resides in Kansas; George, residing at South Bend, Ind .; Maria, who married Joseph Dessinger, and is deceased ; Mollie, deceased ; Joseph, deceased ; Cyrus, mentioned below ; Sally, deceased ; Lantz, who resides at Annville; Katie, who married Samuel Kellar, of Camp- belltown; Henry and Adam, twins, the former a resident of Mount Pleasant, and the latter of Hummelstown; David, deceased, who resided near Eliza- bethtown; and Samuel, deceased.
In 1861 Cyrus Hitz began farming for himself on the Behm farm, near Annville, where he remained several years, moving then to a farm on the Reading turnpike road, where he spent two years. Later he carried on a farm on the Reading turnpike, at another location, for two more years. Mr. Hitz then took charge of the old Bachman farm at Fontana, where he engaged in farming for eight years, in 1876 purchasing the John A. Heisey farm, comprising ninety-four acres, located on the Horseshoe turnpike road, where he has since resided, gradually adding improvements, building his commodious barn in 1885, and making an addition to his residence in 1895, both being comfortable and well suited to the wants of the family.
The marriage of Mr. Hitz was to Elizabeth Hoffer, who was born on the Horseshoe pike, August 7, 1839, daughter of George and Anna (Gingrich) Hoffer, and granddaughter of Christian Gingrich. Her death occurred May 26, 1902. To Mr. Hitz and wife were born the following named children : Anna, born May 13, 1860, married Albert Ressor, and they have four children, Harry, Ellen, Anna and Hoffer. Lizzie Agnes, born September 9. 1863, married William Bachman, who is teller in the Lebanon County Trust Com- pany, and resides at Annville; their children are Clarence, Lizzie and Walter. Ida F., born October 26, 1865, died March 31, 1870. Emma R., born Octo- ber 13, 1868, married Joseph Westenberger, of South Annville township,
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and has a family, and Valeria E., born January 26, 1875, is at home. Mr. Hitz and his family belong to the United Christian church, in which they are highly esteemed. In political sympathy he is a Democrat.
HENRY BUCHER, a retired farmer of Jackson township, of good citizenship and large means, was born October 6, 1835, in South Lebanon township, near Cornwall, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Schoak) Bucher.
The Bucher family originated in Switzerland, from which country came three brothers to America, all locating in the State of Pennsylvania, one in Lancaster county, another in Lebanon county, while the third settled in Cumberland county. Dr. Benedict Bucher, the grandfather of Henry Bucher, sprang from the brother who settled in Lebanon county, and was born in South Lebanon township, where he married and reared these chil- dren : Jacob, Henry, John, Christian, Benedict, Susan and Mary.
Henry Bucher, the son of Dr. Benedict, and the father of Henry, was born February 6, 1798, and died in 1872, having been one of the thrifty, honest and respected farmers of South Lebanon township. His five children bore these names: Mary, the wife of Dr. Smith, of Bismarck, Lebanon county ; Catherine, the widow of Joseph Horst, of Horst Mills, Lebanon county ; Dr. B. D., a physician of Lebanon; and Miss Lavina, who resides with her brother Henry.
Henry Bucher was the youngest of his parents' children, and was reared on the farm, and was given the best education the local schools afforded, early becoming interested in farming, which he has followed all his life with eminent success. Although manhood found him without much capital, he possessed good habits and was industrious and economical. In the evening of life he is able to enjoy the fruits of his labors, owning one of the best farms of his township, comprising 109 acres, and having here a comfortable residence and a fine brick barn, which is both handsome and substantial. In addition to this fine property Mr. Bucher owns a nice home in Myers- town. Mr. Bucher has been a practical farmer, and his careful methods have resulted in a productive and valuable farm.
In 1864 Mr. Bucher married Miss Catherine Doliner, daughter of Jacob Dohner, of South Lebanon township, and seven children were born to this union, namely : Monroe, of Myerstown; Henry J., a bookkeeper, of Wil- mington, N. C .; Miss Ada M. and Solomon, at home; Rosa, the wife of Martin Hertzler, of Richland; Calvin, of Bridgeport, Pa .: and one child that is deceased. The religious membership of the family is in the Myerstown Reformed church. In politics Mr. Bucher has been actively
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identified with the Democratic party, and has frequently been called upon to accept office, and has served very satisfactorily as school director, judge of elections, and as one of the most competent auditors the township ever had. All his life he has taken a deep interest in public affairs, and has been liberal in contributing to worthy enterprises, and in every way is a most estimable and worthy citizen of Jackson township.
KREIDER. One of the earliest settlers of North Lebanon township, Lebanon county, was John Kreider, the great-grandfather of Jacob K. Kreider, of Cornwall township. The old home has sheltered four genera- tions of Kreiders, but has now passed into the possession of Henry L. Long and his son, John, of Fairland and Cleona. This old farm, beautifully located just north of the village, was long considered one of the most valuable in this part of the county.
Michael Kreider, son of John, was born on this old homestead, and spent his whole life here, engaging in agricultural pursuits and becoming a man of means and influence. By marriage he became connected with the Staver family, and five children were born to him, three sons and two daughters, namely: John, who was a farmer of North Annville township; Tobias, the father of Jacob K .; Christian, a farmer of Cornwall township; one daughter, who became the wife of John Bachman, of South Annville township; and the other, the wife of Benjamin Moyer, of North Annville township.
Tobias Kreider was also born on the old homestead, and lived there through life, becoming a wealthy and leading farmer of the township. He accumulated much property, owning three fine farms and a mill, and in addi- tion did distilling. For many years both he and wife were consistent and active members of the United Brethren church, in which he was a class leader. Tobias Kreider was twice married, first to Catherine Kreider, who became the mother of four children, two of whom died in infancy: John died unmarried; and Mary married Christian Bomberger. The second marriage of Mr. Kreider was to Maria Kreider, a sister of his first wife, and seven children were born to this union: Michael, deceased, who was a farmer on the old homestead in North Lebanon township; Josiah, deceased, who was a farmer in South Annville township; Jacob K .; Tobias, who is a farmer of North Cornwall township; Eliza, deceased wife of John H. Yingst, Sr., of Lebanon; Sarah, the wife of Peter Shenk, of South Annville town- ship; and Leah, who is the wife of Abraham Meyer, of North Annville township.
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BISHOP JACOB K. KREIDER was born July 24, 1838, on the old family homestead, and he was educated in the common schools, occupying himself with farm work. When about twenty-three years old he was married, and then located on a farmi of 116 acres, located about one mile west of Lebanon, in North Cornwall township, and here he successfully engaged in farming for twelve years, retiring then from activity. Mr. Kreider at that time erected one of the finest brick residences in this part of the county, at Fairland, on the Reading and Harrisburg Pike road, in the northwestern corner of North Cornwall township, surrounded with beautiful grounds some thirteen acres in extent. Mr. Kreider owns another property in the same locality. For a long period he has been one of the substantial men of the county and prominent in its affairs, a man of excellent business judg- ment and unimpeachable integrity.
On November 22, 1860, Mr. Kreider was married to Elizabeth Myer, daughter of John and Mary ( Royer ) Myer, born May 9, 1843, in North Ann- ville township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kreider are valued members of the River Brethren church, in which he has been active since young manhood. In 1871 he was ordained a minister in the church and in 1887 was made a bishop, the only one in Lebanon county raised to that high ecclesiastical office. His bishopric covers Lebanon and a part of Dauphin county, and few men of his religious faith in this part of the State can show more satisfactory results of work done in this line. The church at Fairland was erected under his super- vision, as were also the church at Harrisburg, and the one at Hummelstown. His ministrations have been wonderfully blessed, and he is much respected and beloved among the people who have known him from childhood.
REUBEN A. SHAAK, one of the well known and highly respected citizens of South Lebanon township, Lebanon county, was born on the old homestead in that township June 18, 1836, a son of John and Eva (Six) Shaak, and a grandson of Philip and Magdalena ( Andreas) Shaak.
Philip Shaak was born March 28, 1765, and died December 1, 1855. He was a son of Michael Shaak, the founder of the family in America. who came hither from his native Switzerland between 1750 and 1755, as records of the latter date show him to have at that time been a resident of what was then Lebanon township, Lancaster county, but is now Lebanon county and South Lebanon township. Philip Shaak was a farmer of means and prominence, was a man of the highest personal character, and for years was an elder in the Reformed church. His life covered over ninety years. and he died one of the most substantial as well as most respected men of
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