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 4
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ing in the ranks as a private, where he has always been forceful and effective in his thorough organization of the voting element. On the hustings our honored subject is a powerful advocate, and is frequently called upon to take part in the campaigns waged by his party. In 1884 he accompanied the "plumed Knight," James G. Blaine, on his trip through the old Keystone State, and did valiant service for the ticket, in many campaigns speaking in two languages in every township of his county.
In connection with his extensive practice Mr. Lantz has found time for the promotion of many business enterprises and has long been regarded as a leader of the financial thought of the county. He has been president of the People's National Bank of Lebanon since 1898, and has contributed much to its solid character by his broad business policy. In 1883 he assisted in the organization of the Homestead Building and Savings Association, and since that date has been its proficient secretary. Other public institutions with which he has been connected are the Lebanon Valley Fair Association, the Lebanon Mutual Fire Insurance Company, the Hook and Ladder Company, of which he has been president twenty years, and the Lebanon Ice Company.
The social and religious life of our subject has been equally promi- nent and helpful. Joining Old Salem Lutheran Church when a lad of thirteen, he has always been active in the Master's service. For twenty-five years he was secretary to the church council. and is now an honored elder of that organization. Possessed of fine musical ability, Mr. Lantz sang in the choir for twenty-five years, and was for fifteen years the leader, ill-health causing his retirement finally from that branch of the service. In the Sunday- school he has been a power, having for long years been teacher of a class of some three hundred young people. He is one of the most prominent laymen in the national meetings of his spiritual advisers, the General Council of the Lutheran Church of North America. In charitable work he is unostenta- tiously helpful, and is active in every good work and word in his community. Mr. Lantz has always kept up his early interest in educational matters. For years he was president of the school board, and is the father of the present system of promotion followed in Lebanon schools, which has been effective in maintaining a most efficient corps of teachers.
The married life of Mr. Lantz has been a model one, he and his wife being the parents of two bright children. The date of marriage was April 26, 1865, Mrs. Lantz's maiden name being Mary A. Kauffman, her place of nativity North Lebanon township. Lily Jane. their accomplished and gifted daughter, married Jacob Ely Reinoehl, a prominent and successful attorney of Lebanon. The son, Henry K., was graduated from Muhlenberg Col-
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lege, and taking a theological course at Chicago, is now the popular pastor of a large and prosperous congregation at Frankfort, Indiana.
It is good to have lived: it is better to have lived a life helpfully efficient in promoting the improvement of society ; to have it said, as can be faithfully asserted of Cyrus R. Lantz, that the world is better for his having lived in it.
GEORGE W. KLINE, SR. The courts of Lebanon county have been the arena of action for many gifted attorneys-at-law-men of character, and with a just appreciation of the sacredness of the law as the conservator of peace and justice. It has been now some years since the gentleman whose honored name opens this sketch was wont to be heard in forensic debate before the courts of the county, but there are those who still remember his singularly effective efforts and the unassuming modest life he lived.
George W. Kline, Sr., for long years an able attorney of Lebanon, was a native of York county, Pa., where he was born, at Wrightsville. March 12, 1795. His death occurred at Lebanon June 21, 1845. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Withers) Kline. He studied law under Hon. William Jenkins, and was admitted to the Bar August 20, 1821. He immediately located at Lebanon for the practice of his profession, which he continued until his death. He was in many respects one of the finest lawyers who have ever appeared before the courts of the county. His marriage occurred March 3, 1823, the lady's maiden name having been Catherine Lineweaver, of an old and honorable family of the county. There were but two children, Matilda Henrietta, now deceased, and George W .. Jr. The mother of these children died March 19, 1871.
GEORGE W. KLINE, JR., deceased, was born in Lebanon March 13. 1833. He was given a splendid preliminary education at Lebanon Academy, and was prepared for Yale at the noted Hopkins Grammar School of New Haven. Matriculating at Yale, he immediately took an advanced position in his class and graduated with honors, his class being the famous one of 1853, containing many names that have since been noted for high position. Entering the office of his uncle, the late Hon. Levi Kline, of Lebanon, he took up the study of the law and was admitted to the Bar April 25. 1857, though he never pursued his profession. His tastes led him rather into literary work, and he soon became connected with the press of the city, where his facility as a writer made him a valuable addition to the staff. In his politics he was a Repub- lican, and was most patriotic. When the Rebels invaded Pennsylvania, in 1863, Mr. Kline was one who enlisted with the "emergency men." as a pri- vate. He was a most companionable man, and was one of the leading Masons
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of the city at the time of his death. This sad event occurred October 15, 1889. Mr. Kline married. November 14, 1872, Martha Weidman, daughter of the late Gen. Jolin Weidman, of whom a biography appears elsewhere.
FRANK E. MEILY, one of the most prominent citizens and members of the Bar at Lebanon, and ex-judge of the Lebanon county court, was born in Lebanon October 21, 1855, and is a son of the late Charles H. Meily, who was born on the Meily homestead, on the southeast corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, Lebanon, in 1827, and died in May, 1890. He married Sarah, daugh- ter of Michael Steckbeck, and she died in 1889. To this union children as follows were born: Elizabeth, who married the late Joseph H. Light, the dis- tinguished editor of the Lebanon Nezes; Henrietta, who is unmarried; Alice; Emanuel G .; Nora M .; Charles H., Jr., deceased; and Frank E. In his younger days Charles H. Meily served as a clerk in a general merchandise store in Lebanon, but in 1857 he embarked in the lumber business with the late Judge Adolphus Reinoehl, under the firm name of Reinoehl & Meily, and continued that connection until a short time prior to his death. Mr. Meily was prominent in politics, and took an active part in local affairs, holding several offices, among which was that of treasurer of the school board. Socially he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the order of Odd Fellows.
Emanuel Meily, the grandfather, was a native of Lebanon. He was a weaver of carpets and old-fashioned quilts, and some specimens of his skill' are still to be found among the people of Lebanon, his name being woven in the corner, and these are highly prized. He married a Miss Shoemaker, and had issue as follows : Emanuel, now of California ; John, deceased ; George, now of Illinois; Edward, deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Joseph, deceased ; Milton, now of South America : and Charles H.
Judge Frank E. Meily graduated from the Lebanon high school and then entered Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., where he was graduated in 1876. taking first honors, being valedictorian of his class. After his graduation he read law in the office of the late W. M. Derr, of Lebanon, and was admitted to the Lebanon county Bar in 1879, and subsequently to the Bars of all the other courts. In 1892 he was elected city solicitor of Lebanon, and in Janu- ary, 1894, was appointed by Gov. Pattison Judge of the Lebanon County Court, which had just been created by the Legislature, the act making Lebanon county a judicial district by itself. This position was held by him with dis- tinction until the next general election, the following year. Judge Meily is a man of wide experience, exhaustive reading and rare ability. His mind is
F. E. Meily
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quick to act, but it is governed by a calm, keen judgment, which carefully weighs each side before deciding, and few men are better qualified naturally to uphold the law and defend the innocent.
REV. THEODORE EMMANUEL SCHMAUK. D. D., pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, a large and leading religious organization in Leba- non county, Pa., a man of scholarly attainments, the editor of various religious publications of his denomination, and an author whose works have shown research and genius, was born in the Evangelical Lutheran parsonage, in Lancaster, Pa., in the year 1860. His surname is an honored inheritance from his father, the late Rev. Benjamin William Schmauk, who for almost thirty years was pastor of Salem Church, Lebanon.
In recalling some of the leading events of the life of the late Rev. B. W. Schmauk, we refer to a biography prepared by Rev. Dr. F. J. F. Schantz, in loving memory of this divine, and read upon its title page the statement :
"Rev. Benjamin William Schmauk, born in Philadelphia, Pa., October 26, 1828; died in Lebanon, Pa., April 4. 1898, aged sixty-nine years, five months and eight days." His parents were Benjamin F. and Theresa (Schultz) Schmauk, and his connection with the church began at his baptism and was cemented by his confirmation in 1843. Of natural ability, he had reached the Philadelphia High School early in life, and had the advantage of being instructed by such educators as Dr. Pile, Alexander Dallas Bache. later superintendent of the American Coast Survey, and the Hon. John S. Hart. Upon the completion of a two-year course in the high school, Mr. Schmauk learned the silver-plating business and followed this trade for five years. As early as the age of twenty-one the young man displayed unusual seriousness of mind and conduct, and when opportunity offered, became a student under Rev. W. J. Mann. D. D., in Philadelphia, pursuing under him a course in German, Latin and other higher branches, and under the tutor's direction reading works on History. Theology and Aesthetics. also taking instruction at Crawford's Academy. Then one term was passed in the Gettys- burg Theological Seminary, and after his return he continued his theological studies under Dr. Mann and Rev. Dr. Demme.
At the meeting of the Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, held in Trinity Church, at Reading, Pa., April 3 and 7. 1853, Mr. Schmauk was licensed to preach the Gospel. In July, 1853, he became pastor of Zion Church, in Lancaster. Pa., and faithfully labored in this, his first charge, until July, 1864, becoming known for his ability in the pulpit as well as for his devotion in pastoral work, and for his loyalty to the cause of the Union
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in the dark days of the Civil war. In May, 1864, Pastor Schmauk was sent as a delegate from the Synod of Pennsylvania to the General Synod at York, Pa., and took part in the proceedings of that historic convention, which finally resulted in the organization of the General Council of the Lutheran Church in North America, and in the establishment of a Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
Having received an urgent call from Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, at Lebanon, he here entered upon his work July 1, 1864, and for the twelve succeeding years not only added to the membership of this church, but labored abundantly throughout the Lebanon Valley. He was noted for his careful pulpit preparation, his earnest sermon delivery, his faithful pastoral care, his sympathy in sickness and distress, and his deep interest in the spir- itual welfare of his flock. On Christmas Day, 1866, he gathered together the scattered Lutherans in Annville and succeeded in organizing the St. Paul's congregation there, and built, in February, 1869, a permanent house of wor- ship. Other congregations were cared for by this untiring pastor, Cornwall profiting by his ministry for many years, and other villages looking to him for spiritual guidance. When Jonestown lost its regular pastor. Pastor Schmauk ministered here, and during an interim at Myerstown, of a year's duration, he looked after the congregation of the faithful of that place.
Pastor Schmauk was deeply interested in the affairs of the Conference to which he belonged, and in critical ecclesiastical periods he was never afraid to do just what he thought right. He served as German secretary of the Synod of Pennsylvania in 1868-69, but later declined re-election. He was ever ready with word, pen and purse to advance the interests of the Synod. Very dear to his heart were the founding of the Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and the opening of Muhlenberg College at Allentown, and to both enterprises he was a liberal contributor. During his pastorate at Leba- non he was a delegate to the second meeting of the General Council. held at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1868, having also been present at the preliminary meeting held at Reading in December, 1866, when grave matters of import to the church were discussed and settled. During the year 1878-79 Pastor Schmauk was elected temporary professor of German in Muhlenberg College, dis- charging the duties of the position in connection with his duties as pastor of St. Michael's congregation, at Allentown, Pa., whither he had gone in 1876. At this time Muhlenberg College conferred upon him the honorary degree of A. M. In 1876 he became a member of the board of trustees of the college, but resigned before the expiration of his term of office. He was re-elected in 1882, and again in 1889, holding the position through the balance of his
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life. During the pastorate at Allentown he was made president of the Sec- ond, or Lehigh Valley, Conference, and continued in office until his return to the territory of Lebanon county. In 1883 Salem Church, Lebanon, again sought a pastor, and it was at this time that the congregation remembered the faithful services and devotion of Pastor Schmauk, and not only extended a call to him to return, but also one to his son, Rev. Theodore E. Schmauk, who was ordained at a meeting of the Synod in 1883, to become the junior pastor. These calls were accepted, and amid much rejoicing the father and son preached sermons in Salem Church on the first Sunday in July, 1883, and at the same time became the pastors of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Annville. Active once more in his old charge, the beloved pastor of this flock was spared for nearly fifteen more years of usefulness. The last great work in which he was especially interested was the erection of a new Chapel, and an extraordinary sermon which he preached in the last winter of his life, to inspire his people and prove to them the wisdom of the new enterprise, is still recalled. Its influence was not lost, for the Chapel of his hopes has been erected by a loving people as a memorial to his life and labors.
During his second pastorate at Lebanon Rev. Schmauk rendered impor- tant services to many other congregations, was deeply interested in the work of the Fourth, later the Lancaster, Conference, and from 1889 was for years its president. During these last years he represented the Synod of Penn- sylvania in the meetings of the General Council held in New York, Pittsburg and Buffalo, and took an absorbing interest in both home and foreign mission work. His interest in the prosperity of the Theological Seminary at Mt. Airy, Muhlenberg College and the Orphans' Home at Germantown was shown by deed as well as by word. Muhlenberg College honored him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity, but he declined to accept.
On June 25, 1857, Rev. Schmauk married Catherine Wilhelmina, daugh- ter of John and Fredericka (Knecht) Hingel, of Philadelphia. In the city of Lebanon stands a building of most beautiful architecture, called the Salem Memorial Chapel, erected in memory of Rev. B. W. Schmauk, and of all the sainted dead of Old Salem.
Such was the father under whom the present pastor of Salem Lutheran Church was permitted to grow to manhood in the closest bonds of filial affec- tion and religious fellowship.
Following a thorough preparatory education, Dr. T. E. Schmauk entered the University of Pennsylvania, and there took a classical course, graduating in the class of 1880, with the honors, later graduating from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, in the class of 1883. In 1897 the
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degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him. As noted above, in association with his father, he became pastor of Salem Church, and at the death of the latter assumed full charge, and has become a power in his denomi- nation and a factor for good in the religious world. He wields a facile pen; is editor of the leading theological journal of the Lutheran Church in Amer- ica, The Lutheran Church Review of Philadelphia, and author of the Graded Sunday School System of the Lutheran Church, which is the first complete practical application, in religious instruction, of the principle of pedagogical gradation, long universal in secular education. Dr. Schmauk is the editor of the Lutheran Sunday School Lessons and of the many publications of the General Council Graded series ; and since 1889 has been the literary editor of The Lutheran. He is also an author of no small standing in the religious world, his books best known, perhaps, being: "The Negative Criticism of the Old Testament," "Catechetical Outlines of the Old Testament." "The Voice in Speech and Song," "Charms of Conversation," "History of Old Salem and Lebanon" and "History of the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania."
Few students of Pennsylvania history are more thoroughly at home as to old records and authentic annals, and he holds a life membership in the His- torical Society of the State, and was one of the organizers of the Lebanon County Historical Society, being a member of the executive committee. His interest has been particularly centered in early German annals, and he is one of the founders and an ex-president of the Pennsylvania German Society of the State. He has been chairman of the executive committee of this society for many years. He is one of the founders and an ex-chancellor of the Penn- sylvania Chautauqua. In all church movements he is deeply interested. He is a member of the board of trustees of Muhlenberg College: member of the Church Book committee of the General Council: member of the Convocation of Church Musicians of the Lutheran Church : chairman of the Sunday School Work committee of the General Council; and member of the Committee on Education in the Lutheran Church, and of several joint committees of the several bodies of the Lutheran Church. While not personally known to all congregations of his denomination scattered over the United States and Canada. there are very few who do not know him through his writings, which penetrate into almost every home.
COL. JOHN MILLER MARK, one of the oldest and best-known citi- zens of Lebanon. was born on a farm in East Hanover township. about three miles from the village of Jonestown, March 15. 1822. son of George Mark, who was born on the same farm January 16, 1797. and died January 14.
-
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1839. His father, also George Mark, was a native of Germany and was one of the early settlers of East Hanover township, and followed farming all his life, his son following in his footsteps, and dying on the same farm.
George Mark, the father of Col. John Miller Mark, married Elizabeth Miller, who was born in North Annville township, Lebanon county, May 13, 1799, and died in 1836. The following children were born of this union : Catherine, born June 9, 1818, married Joseph Frank, and died July 14, 1888: John Miller ; Elizabeth, born October 12. 1823, married Joseph Farnsler, and lied September 3, 1896; George, born September 3. 1825, died March 22. 1897; Sallie married George Mark, and died young.
John Miller Mark was reared on the farm and attended the common schools. On April 1, 1839, he left the farm and went to work in a store in Fredericksburg, Lebanon county, where he remained one year and then went to Bellegrove, in the same county, where he was employed in a store. Mr. Mark remained in the employ of George Weidman, at Bellegrove, for three years, and in 1843 purchased the store which he conducted until 1849. He then removed to Jonestown, and for a time was engaged in a lumber business, but in 1853 he returned to Lebanon, where, in the following year, he embarked in the hotel business, on the corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets. He here operated the "Union Hotel" until 1861, when he rented it in order to offer his services to his country. When the Civil war was over, Mr. Mark resumed the management of the "Union Hotel." and continued its popular host until 1870, when he retired, again renting the property.
Col. Mark was a gallant soldier. In 1861 he raised Company D. of the Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. and was commissioned captain of this company, and on June 1, 1862. he was commissioned major by Gov. A. G. Curtin, and was promoted to be colonel November 27, 1862. Col. Mark was mustered out of the service on account of disability on March 12, 1863, his honorable discharge being signed by Assistant Adjutant General C. A. Whittier, by command of Maj. Gen. Sedgwick. While captain of Company D. he participated in many of the serious engagements of the war, and was wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., by a ball passing through his right fore-arm, and was also slightly wounded in the leg, a fragment of an exploding shell also striking him in the neck. Although the latter did not cut the flesh, Col. Mark felt the effects of the blow until a few years since. Following this misfortune on the field, Col. Mark was then stricken with typhoid fever and was sent to the hospital in Philadelphia, but was not received there and was given up to die. He insisted upon being sent home, and soon after his return experienced beneficial results and finally considered
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himself well enough to return to his command. Following his return. his efficiency was recognized by his promotion to the office of major, and later to that of colonel, and he was at that time ranking colonel of the brigade, in direct line of promotion to the position of general. However, he began to realize that he could not continue military service, as his return to duty had been too soon, his recovery not having been completely accomplished.
It was with feelings of regret that Col. Mark gave up his brilliant military prospects and returned to his home, and it was also a source of grief to his comrades-in-arms. In 1863 he was appointed deputy-marshal of Lebanon. For many years he was a store-keeper and gauger in the Internal Revenue department. For several years Colonel Mark was chief of police of Lebanon county, and also served one term as register and recorder of the county. Every duty entrusted to his care was performed with an eye to the public good, and both in military and civil life, he has lived up to the full measure of first-class citizenship.
On January 26, 1843, Col. Mark was united in marriage with Catherine Zinn, born in Cornwall township. Lebanon county. December 5, 1819, and they had children as follows: Milton, a resident of Denver, Colo .; Cyrus, a resident of Pueblo, Colo. : Monroe, a resident of Oregon City, Ore. : Charles, a resident of San Diego, Cal .; John, who died in Pueblo. Colo. ; and Penrose, who lives in Lebanon. Col. Mark is a valued and active member of Sedg- wick Post. G. A. R .; Mt. Lebanon Lodge. A. F. & A. M .; and Mohegan Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was a member of the fire department of Lebanon for many years, and is now an honorary member.
PETER B. WITMER, A. M. (deceased). One of the oldest edu- cators, and proprietor of the old. well-known educational institution of Leba- non county- the old Palmyra Academy, which he founded-was Peter B. Witmer, A. M., born in Lebanon township. Lebanon county, October 25, 1823, son of Michael and Anna ( Burkholder) Witiner.
The origin of the Witmer family in America is as follows: In the year 1733 four Witmer brothers sailed for America on the ship "Hope of London," Daniel Reed, master. They arrived in Philadelphia the latter part of August, and on the 28th of that month the elder brothers took the oath of allegiance. They were all natives of Canton Zurich, Switzerland, and were of the Reformed faith. The four brothers, Michael, Ulrich, Peter and John, settled in Lancaster county, Pa. The ancestor of Peter B. was Peter, father of Peter, father of Michael, our subject's father.
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