Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families, Part 59

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 946

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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

the farm. This he did in the summer of 1865, but in the fall he again taught his old school.

Mr. Kegerreis married Miss Susan, eldest daughter of Benjamin and Sallie ( Wenger) Kurtz, of West Cocalico township, Lancaster county. Six children blessed this union, three of whom reached maturity and three of whom died young: Ida L., who married Albert K. Hostetter, of Lancaster, Pa .; Morris Christian, who died at the age of two years; Paul Kurtz, who died at the age of ten months: Robert Benjamin; Maggie May, who died at the age of nearly five years; and Sallie.

In the spring of 1867 Mr. Kegerreis moved to Reinholdsville (now Blainsport ), Lancaster county. In 1869 he sold out, and moved to Rich- land, Lebanon county in the spring of 1870. In 1871 he entered into part- nership with the late William Lesher, under the firm name of Lesher & Kegerreis, in the wholesale liquor business, which continued for eight years. In 1880 he began the manufacture of cigars and packing leaf tobacco, with Samuel Klopp, as partner, under the firm name of Klopp & Kegerreis. Since the dissolution of that firm in 1885, Mr. Kegerreis has followed the wholesale leaf tobacco business. His financial success and popularity as a business man led him into politics, and in 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, to which office he was twice re-elected, and held same until 1891, since when he has been notary public, and in addition to his other business has become the leading adviser, surveyor and conveyancer of the community. He has also served two terms as school director, and one term as school dis- trict treasurer, and in 1891 was a candidate for associate judge of Lebanon county.

Mr. Kegerreis has taken a prominent part in the development of the town in which he lives. In 1871 in conjunction with a number of others he succeeded in having a special act of the Assembly passed authorizing the paving and grading of the main streets of Richland. In 1888 he was largely instrumental in the success of the incorporation of the Richland Water Company, of which he has ever since been the secretary, so that to-day Rich- land has become one of the most beautiful and healthful little towns in the Lebanon Valley, with the conveniences ordinarily enjoyed only by large towns and cities. Mr. Kegerreis is not enrolled as a member of any relig- ious denomination, but there are none who have the cause more at heart than he, which fact is proved by his liberal contributions for the upbuilding and maintaining of religious and charitable institutions. He is always ready with a helping hand and is a cheerful giver of means and influence in pro- moting the best interests of his fellowmen.

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BENJAMIN KURTZ, late one of the leading citizens of Richland, Lebanon county, Pa., was the grandson of Abraham Kurtz, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa. The founders of the Kurtz name in this country came early in the history of the State, first locating at Morgantown, Chester county, Pa., and subsequently moved to Lancaster county. Abraham Kurtz was married to a Miss Blank. To bless this union came eight children : John, Jacob, Samuel, David, Susan, Barbara, Elizabeth and Anna.

John Kurtz, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in East Cocalico township, Lancaster county. He married Magdalina Gockley, and they moved to West Cocalico township, same county, where he owned and operated a very large farm which he later divided into three farms. He was one of the most successful and influential farmers of the western part of Lancaster county, and was known for his strict and exact habits, as well as his integrity. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. To him and his wife were born seven children, namely: Abraham, who married Elizabeth Bom- berger ; Samuel, who died unmarried; John, who married Mary Sanders, and died the father of four children; Polly, married to Jacob Dornbach; Eliza- beth, married to Peter Dinger; Benjamin, the subject of this sketch; and Jacob, who married Lydia Hoffman. All are now deceased.

Benjamin Kurtz was born in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, in 1817. He married Sallie, daughter of John and Susan (Brubaker) Wenger, and five children were born to this union : Susan, who married Isaac Kegerreis, of Richland; Anna and Eliza, unmarried; Maggie, who married S. B. Royer, of Myerstown, and died without issue: and Amanda, who mar- ried W. H. Kilmer, a dentist at Reading, Pa. Mrs. Benjamin Kurtz was born in East Cocalico township, Lancaster county, in 1821, and died in Richland April 21, 1882. She was one of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity: Jacob, who married Sallie Hershberger; Nancy, who wedded John Oberly; Joseph who married Susan Oberholtzer; Sallie, who married Benjamin Kurtz; Elizabeth, who married David Eby; David, who married Lovina Echtenacht; and Samuel, who married (first) Elizabeth Flickinger, and (second) Kate Eberly. The Wenger family is numbered among the old and substantial ones of Pennsylvania, the ancestors emigrat- ing from Switzerland at an early day.

Benjamin Kurtz lived and reared his family in West Cocalico, where he owned a nice home and farm. By steadfast industry, earnest efforts and ability he left his family well provided for. In 1873, he moved to a smaller farm at Richland, Lebanon county. Ten years later he bought a home where he lived a retired life, until his death, which occurred June 30, 1895. In pol-

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itics he was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Old Mennonite Church, but he rather inclined toward the belief of the New Mennonites. It was through his liberality that the town of Richland can boast of its pure water, which is taken from his mountain land, still owned by his estate.

ANNA and ELIZA KURTZ, the single daughters of Benjamin Kurtz, still live on the old homestead in Richland, devoting themselves to good deeds, helping those less fortunate.

SIMON P. LIGHT was born in Lebanon, August 30, 1861, son of the late Gideon Light, who was one of the leading citizens of Lebanon for over half a century.

Gideon Light was born in his father's house on Maple street, west of Ninth, January 28, 1831, a son of Jacob Light. He became a large land- owner, owning at one time the major portions of the Sixth and Seventh wards, of Lebanon. He was a Democrat, and prominent in the public life of the county, having been elected treasurer of the county in 1873, and in that office served a term of three years. He was active in the business life of the community, having been connected with a number of industrial insti- tutions. He was one of the organizers of the United Brethren Aid Society, of which he was treasurer for many years, and erected the society's building, now the city hall of Lebanon. He was married to Nancy Witmeyer, and died April 18, 1902, leaving to survive him nine children, among whom was Simon P., the subject of this sketch.

Simon P. Light, the immediate subject of these lines, was educated in the public schools of Lebanon, and subsequently completed a course in Leb- anon Valley College, where he graduated with honors in 1880. He at once took up the study of his profession, and after a brilliant examination was admitted to the Lebanon County Bar, August 27, 1884. His splendid grasp of legal principles soon made him a counselor sought after by corporate interests of the community, who entrusted their business to him, which he managed with signal success.

The public career of Mr. Light has been attended with much success. From his early manhood he became an enthusiastic supporter of Democratic principles, and a worker in the ranks of that party. His superior tactfulness and natural ability to manage men made him a power in the party, and he early became marked for political preferment. In 1892 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, and in 1896 was again chosen to rep- resent the Fourteenth Congressional District in the Democratic National Convention. In 1899, although a Democrat, he was elected by a Republican

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board of county commissioners county solicitor, which office he filled cred- itably for a term of three years. He is popular both with men of his party and with those of the opposition. In connection with his law practice, Mr. Light has been very active in business circles in the county. In 1890 he organized the Street Railway Company of Lebanon, and was its president for some years, until the company was absorbed by the United Power and Transportation Company. He was secretary of the Pennsylvania Street Railway Association from 1892 to 1898, and for the same period was a director in the Wilkesbarre & Wyoming Valley Traction Company. Mr. Light also assisted in the organization of the People's Telephone Company, of which he was president until it was sold to the United Telephone and Telegraphı Company, and in the latter organization he is now a director. He is also treasurer of the Lebanon Valley Iron Company, and holds the same position in the Imperial Limestone Company.

On June 26, 1890, Mr. Light married Ella, daughter of Cornelius Smith, of Annville, and they have had six children: Donald, Dorothy, Gideon, Nancy, Catherine and Simon P., Jr.

DAVID L. SAYLOR, the leading contractor of Annville, and also an extensive dealer in lumber and coal, was born April 3, 1844, in Swatara township, Lebanon county, near Bunker Hill. a son of John and Sarah (Lerch) Saylor.

Peter Saylor. the grandfather of David L .. was an early settler in Swatara township. He married Elizabeth Miller and had children as fol- lows : John. Jacob, Samuel and four daughters.

John Saylor, the father of David L., was born March 22, 1804, in Swatara township. He married Sarah Lerch, who was born in 1807. They had children as follows: Jolin L., Daniel, Elizabeth. Adam, David L., Elias and William.

David L. Saylor was but five years of age when his father died. and on this account he was put out to work while almost too young, with one farmer and then another. Naturally industrious and willing, he gave good satis- faction and made many friends. At the age of nineteen years, he began to learn the carpenter's trade, in North Annville township, where he served two years, and then went to Schuylkill county, where he followed his trade for two years, and after this was employed as a carpenter along the line, by the Philadelphia & Reading Railway Company. In 1867 he located in Annville and worked on the building of the Lebanon Valley College, and in 1868 he began contracting, at which he has since continued. He has erected more

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buildings in Annville than all 'the other contractors together, among which are the leading business houses and private residences, and among the most important are the following: Eagle Hotel; Annville National Bank; Sun- shine Printing Company; Kreider Shoe Factory (major part) ; Dr. J. K. Urich's residence; his own handsome residence and many others. In the spring of 1877 he began dealing in lumber, and in 1882, in coal. His busi- ness methods are founded upon integrity and he has won the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens through merit alone.

In 1865, Mr. Saylor was married to Anna Boger, daughter of Thomas Boger, and to this union were born these children : Minerva, who married Amos Zimmerman, a leading carpet merchant of Lebanon; Alice, who married Samuel C. Fox, a grocer of Pleasant Hill, Lebanon county ; Emma ; John B., who has charge of his father's office; and Samuel C. Mr. Saylor is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. P. fraternities. His family belongs to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Annville.

This short sketch gives an outline of a self-made man, who began life terribly handicapped, but who, through his own efforts, has risen to a posi- tion of prominence in his locality, and who can justly be regarded as one of the substantial men of Annville.

JACOB B. SHOPE. Among the leading representatives of the com- mercial activity of Palmyra is Jacob B. Shope, a merchant of that city, who was born near Round Top, Londonderry township, Dauphin county. August 26, 1853, a son of Henry and Magdalena (Ott) Shope. Henry Shope was born in York county, Pa., in 1821, and died in Dauphin county in 1900. while his wife, born in Lehigh county in 1829, now resides in Dauphin county.

The paternal grandfather was born in Switzerland, and upon coming to America, located in York county, Pa. The maternal grandfather came from Wurtemberg. Germany. Henry Shope removed from his native county to Dauphin county, where he spent the balance of his life, engaging in farming. The following children were born to the parents: John S., a merchant of Annville, Pa .: Jacob B .: Anna, who married Philip Miller; Samuel; and Katie, wife of P. Van Shope.

Jacob B. Shope was reared upon a farm, and received his education in the schools of his district. In 1876 he began farming for himself. and con- tinued this occupation four years, when in 1880, he embarked in a merchan- dise business with his father, under the style of Shope & Son, at Brownstown, Dauphin Co., Pa. In 1890 he sold his interest and located at Palmyra, where he established his present house in the same building he now occupies on

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Broad street. When he located in Palmyra, his business was a small one, but as increasing custom warranted, he has enlarged his enterprise until he has one of the leading general merchandise stores in the city, and the second largest. His first stock did not exceed $3,000, while he now carries at least $10,000 worth on his shelves. The beginning of his career as a merchant. in Dauphin county, was made on a borrowed capital of $100. Today, not only does he carry a large stock of goods, control a flourishing trade that is constantly increasing, but he owns his place of business as well as a substantial residence adjoining. This almost phenomenal success has been attained by undaunted energy, enterprise and thrift, combined with exceptional business ability, and a close adherence to honorable methods, which have firmly estab- lished him in the confidence of the general public.

On January 13, 1876, Mr. Shope was married to Kate Imboden, born in Londonderry township, Lebanon county, a daughter of Jeremiah Imboden. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shope: Harry, who died aged three and one-half years ; Maggie, who died December 2, 1901, aged twenty- two years ; Harvey, in business with his father ; John; and Pearl. Mr. Shope is a member of the Republican party, and takes an active part in local affairs. Genial in manner, he has gained many friends, and is universally esteemed by them, as well as beloved in his family.

EDWARD WILLIAM MILLER, one of the representative members of the Bar in Lebanon, Pa., is a native of Marion township. Berks county, this State, having been born on a farm in that locality. near Stouchsburg, July 9, 1860, son of Franklin and Emma E. (Wenrich) Miller, both natives and still residents of the same county. John Miller, the father of Franklin, was one of the highly respected old settlers of Berks county.

Edward William Miller spent his childhood days upon the farm. attending the public school of the neighborhood. Later he had the advantage of a course of study at Womelsdorf Academy, and upon leaving that institu- tion taught school, from 1877 to 1883. when he removed to Lebanon and began reading law in the office of Gen. J. P. S. Gobin, being admitted to the Bar January 14. 1884. Soon afterward Mr. Miller began the practice of his profession in an office at the corner of Ninth and Willow streets, where he was located until 1902, when he removed to his present quarters, in the Lebanon County Trust building. As Mr. Miller is one of the directors, as well as a stockholder and the solicitor of the Lebanon County Trust Com- pany, which he helped to organize, his offices are very conveniently located. For the past eight years Mr. Milller has been solicitor for the Annville

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Building and Loan Association, and is one of the most active workers in the management of that organization. He is a self-made man, having with but few advantages worked himself by close application into the front rank of his profession. He now enjoys an extensive general law practice, and has a bright future before him. In his business affairs he has always been trust- worthy and painstaking. In his church associations Mr. Miller is a member of the Lutheran Church.

On October 4, 1888, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Elizabeth S., daughter of Adam Schaeffer, a prominent grain and coal dealer of Richland, who has since that time removed to Lebanon. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller : Adam Franklin and Florence Elizabeth.

HENRY J. BOWER, M. D. For a period of forty years the town of Myerstown, Pa., has been indebted to the medical skill of one whom we make no mistake in calling a favorite son. Dr. Henry J. Bower was born in this place October 8, 1843, a son of Dr. William and Rebecca (Mengel) Bower, and a grandson of Dr. Henry Bower, who was the first physician to locate in Myerstown, the time being early in the Nineteenth century.

General Jacob Bower, a brave and favorite officer of General Washing- ton, and a worthy member of the Order of Cincinnatus, was the great-grand- father of Dr. Bower, and seems to have become as conspicuous in military as his descendants have become in professional life. This gallant officer married Rebecca, a daughter of Joseph Wood, of Philadelphia, and they became the parents of two sons, Henry and George. The eldest son, Henry, graduated from the New York City Medical College, and located in the vil- lage of Myerstown as its first practitioner, and, through his skill and devotion to his profession, became known throughout the county. Dr. Henry married Susan Zimmerman, the daughter of a substantial citizen of Myerstown, and they reared a family of six children, namely: Dr. William, Cyrus, Frank, Mary (the wife of Dr. Kreitzer, of Philadelphia), Rebecca (the wife of John W. Pfleger, of Philadelphia), and Annie (the wife of Dr. L. K. Stine). All of these have passed away.

Dr. William Bower, the eldest son of Dr. Henry, was born November 6, 1817. in Myerstown, where he died November 25, 1860. In 1838 he mar- ried Rebecca Mengel, a daughter of Benjamin Mengel, a well-known resident of his native place, and these children were born to them: Susan, who died young ; Dr. Henry, of Myerstown; Dr. Gibson, also of Myerstown ; Robert, deceased; Addison, who is a druggist of Myerstown; Dr. William G., the third medical practitioner of the family in Myerstown; and Emily, Clara and

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Mary, all deceased. Dr. William, like his father, was a graduate of the New York City Medical College, and for many years was a leading physician in his native town. Like his father he supported very zealously the Democratic party. For years he was a prominent member of the Lutheran Church, and a most highly esteemed citizen of his community.

Henry J. Bower was reared in Myerstown, and secured his primary education in the common and high schools of the town, and later attended the local Academy ; he afterward went to high school in Philadelphia. Inherited instincts no doubt decided his life-work, and early in his career he was thoroughly prepared for college by his father, than whom he could have had no more careful instructor, and then attended the lectures of the Jeffer- son Medical College, in Philadelphia, graduating in 1862, from this institu- tion, on whose rolls was found the name of his brother. Dr. Gibson, in 1866. and Dr. William, in 1887. This family has been a representative medical one.

Dr. Henry Bower succeeded his father in the practice and esteem of the community, and through forty years has but cemented the ties begin so long ago. He is well known and relied upon, and his skill and devotion have made him, in many families, much more than the physician, his cheery pres- ence and encouraging assurances bringing health where medicaments would have failed. Dr. Bower occupies an enviable position in Myerstown, and his fellow-citizens do not fail to appreciate his long and faithful service. He has made his profession take the place of family ties. but he has a very wide circle of warm personal friends. Being the eldest of his family he is eligible as a member of the Order of Cincinnatus, or Sons of the Revolution. Dr. Bower is active in the Democratic party, thoroughly believing in the prin- ciples of Jefferson and Jackson, those great leaders, and exerts considerable influence in Myerstown and vicinity.

LOUIS SAMLER, one of the leading business men of Lebanon, and proprietor of the "Bon Ton." the only department store in the city, was born May 21, 1870, in Philadelphia, a son of Isaac Samler. a retired manufacturer of that city.

Mr. Samler was educated in the public schools of the "city of Brotherly Love," and he also took a course at Pierce's Business College, in that city, where he graduated in 1887. The same year he went West. and spent three years clerking in a general store, later going on the road as traveling sales- man for a Philadelphia house, at which work he was engaged for three years, through the Western States. Mr. Samler then conducted a store at

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Chester, Pa., for a Philadelphia party, for a period of two years. In March, 1896, he located in Lebanon and established the "Bon Ton" department store, something new in that city. It was commenced with small capital, in a very modest way, but has grown twenty-fold in the brief time it has been in opera- tion, and now, in the busy season, gives employment to sixty salespeople. The floor space covers 8,824 square feet, with an annex of 3,800 square feet, which is utilized for storing surplus stock. Mr. Samler belongs fraternally to Mt. Lebanon Lodge, No. 226, A. F. & A. M., also to the higher branches of Freemasonry, including the Scottish and York Rite bodies. He also holds membership with the Elks and the Lebanon Cycle Club.

In September, 1896, Mr. Samler was married to Miss Sophia Grum- bacher, of Trenton, N. J. The phenomenal increase in Mr. Samler's business enterprise is easily accounted for by the excellence of his goods, his honest methods and his careful, personal attention to the wants of his customers. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the city.

JOSEPH E. KALBACH, whose attractive farin residence stands about a mile east of Millbach, and the same distance south of Sheridan, has for over forty years been a prominent lumber manufacturer in his section. His well conceived plan of carrying on the industry by means of portable sawmills has redounded to his success and to that of the counties where he has carried on the business. Mr. Kalbach comes of an old Pennsylvania family. His paternal great-grandparents came from Germany, and were pioneers of Berks county. Among their children was a son John, who is mentioned below.

John Kalbach, grandfather of Joseph E., assisted materially in the development of the agricultural resources of Berks county. Upon reaching manhood he married Rosanna Ruth, and they had eight children, all of whom are now deceased: John. Isaac, Adam. Joseph R., Rebecca, Catherine, Mary and Elizabeth. After his marriage Mr. Kalbach settled upon a farm in Berks county, and there engaged in agriculture. A hard worker, and skillful man- ager, he prospered in his business, and made a good home for himself and family. His strength of character, and his well directed efforts won him the respect of all who knew him.

Joseph R. Kalbach, father of Joseph E., was another prominent agricul- turist of the county. Born in North Heidelberg township. November 19. 1808, he received the usual rearing of farmers' boys of his day. About 1834 he married Mary Lamb, who was born in North Heidelberg township. Berks county. October 1, 1816. She is now living at the home of her son Joseph E. Though in her eighty-eighth year, the oldest woman in Millcreek

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township, she is well preserved and in excellent health. To her and her hus- band were born four children, who grew to maturity: Nathaniel L., of Rich- land; Joseph E .; Dr. John G., who died in 1901 ; and A. M., who resides in Lancaster city.

About 1836, shortly after his marriage Mr. Kalbach moved from Berks to Lebanon county, and there, in Millcreek township, purchased the farm which is now owned by Joseph E. He cleared and improved the place, mak- ing it one of the most attractive pieces of property in the vicinity. In his farm- ing he was both practical and progressive, and met with most excellent results. Continuing to prosper he carried on his industry for about fifty years. He died December 15, 1890. Mr. Kalbach was one of the foremost agriculturists in his section, and influential in local affairs. He possessed marked integrity of character, and was a consistent member of the Reformed Church. Politically he affiliated with the Democrats.

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Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families, Part 59

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 946

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 946