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 81
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On November 16, 1893, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Mary B. Light, daughter of Adam Light, born September 13, 1870, in North Leb- anon township. The following family have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Snyder : Paul L. ; Eden L., deceased ; Lydia; Adam; and John.
DAVID ULRICH LANDIS, one of the enterprising young business men of Palmyra, and one who is prominently identified with its best inter- ests, was born in Lyonsville, Dauphin Co., Pa., October 28, 1872. His boyhood days were spent in Palmyra, where he attended the public schools, and later he had the advantage of a course of study at the Lebanon Valley College. After completing his education, he embarked in the cattle business with his father, and after the latter's retirement in 1892, Mr. Landis entered into a partnership with Messrs. Bomberger and Eby, under the firm style of Bomberger, Eby & Landis, in the same line of commercial activity, but after a year dissolved this connection, and became an edge trimmer for the Palmyra Shoe Company. After about a year this concern leased its plant to A. S. Kreider, and Mr. Landis continued in his position for a year longer. At the expiration of this period his father. Jacob Landis, purchased the property, establishing the firm of J. Landis Sons, and David U. Landis became one of its members. His duties involve the management of the factory, and he thor- oughly understands every detail of the business, which is steadily increasing the volume of its trade.
On November 24, 1898, Mr. Landis was married to Mary A. Brunner, daughter of George B. Brunner, a coach maker of Palmyra, and one child has been born of this union, Harold Ulrich. Mrs. Landis is a lady of pleasing personality, who was born at Strasburg, Pa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Landis are highly esteemed by their acquaintances and friends, and they enjoy a well-merited popularity in Palmyra and its vicinity.
HENRY T. OLTENBUERSTEL, one of the leading business men of Lebanon county, residing at Rexmont, was born in Schlieben, Province of Saxony, February 14. 1847, son of Carl and Christianna ( Richard) Olten- buerstel, both now deceased.
The father, Carl Oltenbuerstel, was a miller by occupation, and he and his wife, who with him passed away in her native land, were consistent mem-
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bers of the Lutheran Church. Of the nine children born to these parents, Henry T. was the only one to come to America. When a young man he learned the trade of shoemaker, and then served four years in the army dur- ing the Franco-Prussian war. In September, 1871, after his term of service had expired, he emigrated, and located in Hoboken, N. J., but later settled in Philadelphia, whence he went to Harrisburg. After a time he left that city, and came to Lebanon county, and became employed at the Cornwall ore bank, continuing in this line for ten years and three months. His next employer was Robert H. Coleman, with whom he remained three years more, when in May, 1885, he erected his buildings at Rexmont. Here, in October, 1885, he began operating a large bakery establishment and is enjoying a very satisfactory trade, which is constantly increasing. No man in this portion of the State stands higher in public estimation than does Henry T. Olten- buerstel; essentially self-made, he can sympathize with those less fortunate, and having learned the details of his business, he is enabled to conduct it in a scientific and successful manner. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has most acceptably filled the position of auditor of the township. Fraternally he is a member of A. F. & A. M. Lodge No. 226: Chapter No. 197: Herman Commandery, No. 124; I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 121; Encampment No. 68. His religious home is in the Lutheran Church, in which he is very active, and in every relation, he is upright, conscientious and honorable, a kind employer, good friend and generous man, and his popularity is certainly well merited.
HENRY PFANNKUCH, a retired baker of Lebanon, Pa., was born in Prussia, Germany, near the town of Cassel, on February 13, 1846, a son of Conrad and Gertrude Pfannkuch, deceased, of Germany. Conrad was a tailor by trade and the father of seven children : Charles, of New York; Martha, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Henry, the subject of this sketch; Mary ; Conrad ; and Peter, of Germany.
Henry Pfannkuch attended school at home until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to St. Petersburg, Russia, and learned the baker's trade. He remained there five years, returned to his old home for a short time, thence to London, and from there sailed to the United States, landing in New York November 10, 1865. He followed his trade in that city for one year, after which he went to Massachusetts and worked in a cotton fac- tory for six months. At the expiration of that time he returned to New York, remaining for some time, thence going to Harrisburg, Pa., in 1867. After learning the carpenter's trade at that place he went to Pittsburg. Pa., where he learned steamboat carpentering. At the end of two years he went
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to Canton, Ohio, where he worked at house carpentering for one year. He then came to Lebanon, Pa., where he worked for P. L. Weimer, in his machine shop for two years, when he began house carpentering with Elijah Lonecker. They worked together four years. He afterward worked some time for the Miller Organ Company, as a cabinet maker. At this time he bought out a bakery and then returned to his old trade once more. He con- ducted a first class shop for eleven years on Walnut street, and in 1892 he closed out his business and retired. Since that time he has been engaged in building and real estate in Lebanon City.
On December 8, 1870 Mr. Pfannkuch married Miss Mary E. Patschke, of Lebanon, a daughter of John F. and Mary ( Fauber ) Patschke, of Leb- anon. They have been blessed with four children : Lillie, the wife of Charles Blouch, of Lebanon ; Charles, of Lebanon; Rosa, the wife of Rev. W. K. Fisher, a clergyman in the Lutheran Church, of Johnstown, Pa., and Ray- mond, deceased. Mrs. Pfannkuch was one of a family of four children ; the other three being Augustus of Lebanon; Henry, deceased; and Benjamin. She was born October 19, 1851. In politics Mr. Pfannkuch is a Republican, but has never interested himself in holding a political office, although he served on the board of health four years. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He and his family reside at No. 701 Walnut street, in one of the finest residences in the city. Mr. Pfannkuch is well known for his square dealings and honesty, and he is a loyal citizen, a kind husband and an indul- gent father.
ELIAS FEEMAN. The mercantile stability of West Lebanon has been fostered and maintained by Elias Feeman, also interested in the Mechan- ics Building & Loan Association as director, and in the Central Insurance Company as director, stockholder and treasurer. A native son of Lebanon county, he was born December 24, 1858. a son of John and Catherine (Fox) Feeman, and grandson of Abraham Feeman, the latter of whom was a very early settler of this county, and died when Elias was a young man. The grandfather was the father of five children. Elizabeth, Susan, Nancy, Cath- erine and John.
John Feeman, the father of Elias, was born September 16, 1819. He was a carpenter by trade. but in later life followed farming exclusively. He was successful and popular, a stanch Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church. About 1838 he was united in marriage with Catherine Fox, who was born October 10, 1819, and died October 8, 1899. He died September 18, 1895. To himself and wife were born eleven children, nine of whom
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attained maturity, and eight of whom are still living, viz" John H., of North Annville township; Gertrude, the wife of William Davis, of West Lebanon; Catherine; Amelia, the wife of Henry Imhof, of Lebanon; Emma, the wife of William A. Runkle, of Lebanon; Adam J., a carpenter in Lebanon; Elias; and Elizabeth, the wife of Maurice Smith, a farmer of Lebanon.
In his youth Elias Feeman availed himself to the utmost of his educa- tional opportunities, which were confined for the most part to the public schools. At the age of twenty he began teaching in the schools of the county, and during the eight years thus employed acquired an enviable reputation for thoroughness and clear elucidation. At the age of twenty-eight he began a business life in Lebanon in partnership with his brother-in-law, John H. Lerch, at the stand now owned and occupied by him; but later removed to Fargo street, where he remained for three years. He has been very success- ful in business, and his uprightness of dealing has won the confidence of the business contingent of the town. A stanch Republican, he has held various offices of a local nature, including that of school director. He is fraternally connected with the P. O. S. of A., Camp 254, the Brotherhood of the Union, and the Lily of the Valley Home Commission, No. 24. The architect of his own career, Mr. Feeman has not only built up a paying business, but has become the possessor of valuable real estate in Lebanon and vicinity.
On October 4, 1884, Mr. Feeman married Mary, daughter of Isaac and Lydia (Large) Book, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., July 14, 1865. Of this union there have been born three children, Ella Nora, Laura Eliza- beth, and Oscar Elias. Ellen, the wife of John H. Lerch, a merchant of West Lebanon, is a sister of Mrs. Feeman.
EDMUND W. MENGEL was, during life, one of the promising young business men of Myerstown, one whose death caused universal regret. His business career had been one of honor and integrity, and in every relation of life he had displayed admirable qualities. In business, in church, in society and in his home he is still recalled with expressions of respect and affection.
Edmund W. Mengel was born May 15, 1870. in Myerstown, and died May 15, 1897. His parents were Charles W. and Margaret P. (Williams) Mengel, the former of whom has also passed away, but the latter still sur- vives. Charles Mengel was a son of Benjamin Mengel, who carried on a meat business for a long period. Charles Mengel was a member of the noted Second Bucktail regiment during the Civil war, the One Hundred and Forty- ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in which Capt. John Bassler was the leading spirit, and Mr. Mengel took a prominent part in the battle of
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Gettysburg, July I to 3, 1863. Escaping serious injury, he returned to Myerstown after the war and engaged in his trade of baker and confec- tioner, displaying as good business qualifications as he had shown bravery during his army life.
Edmund W. Mengel was the only son of Lieut. Charles Mengel and wife, and was reared in Myerstown, acquiring his education in the public schools, later supplementing this with advanced work at Albright College, from which he graduated. On the death of his father he succeeded to the business and through his energy and honesty had built up a fine trade. His business was one that was constantly increasing, and promised to grow into the leading one in this vicinity. Mr. Mengel was also public-spirited, and was always ready to assist in enterprises for the good of the community.
On May 15, 1893, Mr. Mengel was married to Miss Anna A. Martin, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Bicknel) Martin, of Myerstown, an old family of wealth and respectability. On child was born to this union, Mar- garet W., born June 17, 1894, who, with her young widowed mother, resides on College street, in Myerstown. Mr. Mengel was fraternally connected with the K. of P., and the I. O. O. F. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and was prominent in public affairs as his father had been before him. The Men- gels have always been most highly regarded as first-class citizens and most worthy people. They are members, as was the late Mr. Mengel, of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Mengel has one sister, Tillie, and two brothers, William and John, all well known and esteemed in this vicinity.
CHARLES L. GERMAN. a well-known resident of Myerstown, is the owner and patentee of the noted German Roof Paints for which he received a patent in 1874, and which have become so widely known through the coun- try since then, partly through Mr. German's energetic business methods, and mainly through their merits. In addition to these valuable paints, Mr. Ger- man owns a number of other patents, a very salable article being a certain kind of weather-stripping.
Mr. German is of old Pennsylvania ancestry, and was born in Stouchs- burg, Berks county, April 18. 1851, a son of Jacob and Harriet (Lance) German, the former of whom was a shoemaker in Stouchsburg for a long period, and was born in 1805, in Sunbury, Northumberland county, and died in 1876. Jacob German was a son of Jacob, a native also of Northum- berland county, the father of four children: Mary, the widow of Edward Larch, of Womelsdorf, Berks county; Sarah, deceased, wife of Isaac Emer. a well-known horse dealer and the proprietor of the Mansion Hotel, of
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Reading; Jacob; and John, who died at Reading. The family originated at a very early day in Germany, the first of the name to reach Philadelphia in 1735 being Hans, or John, German. Nine children were born to Jacob and Harriet (Lance) German, and six of these grew to maturity, viz. : Harriet, the wife of Harrison Groover, of Berks county; Ephraim, deceased; Charles L .; Katherine, the wife of William Getsall, both deceased; Alberta, the wife of Samuel Leahman, of Reading ; and George, deceased. Mr. German was an excellent citizen, a strong supporter of the Republican party, and a most highly respected man.
Charles L. German was reared and educated in Stouchsburg, beginning at the age of eighteen years to learn the carpenter trade and has followed this to some extent ever since. He lived in Stouchsburg until the age of twenty-six. In 1881 he located in Myerstown and in June of that year was united in mar- riage to Miss Agnes Moyer, daughter of John and Katherine Moyer. old and honored residents. Mrs. German was one of a family of six children born to her parents, the five survivors being : Monroe, of Millcreek township: John H., of Schaefferstown; Mrs. German; Delilah, the wife of John Stoher, of Schaefferstown; and Miss Amanda. The Moyer family was one of the first to settle in Heidelberg township.
Mr. and Mrs. German reside in their handsome home on South College street. Myerstown, and their pleasant, genial hospitality is much appreciated by a large circle of friends. They are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. German is a liberal supporter. Mr. German was appointed to a responsible position by Gen. Gobin, during the World's Fair at Chicago, which he filled with efficiency. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and a very highly esteemed resident of his community.
JOHN B. SHEAF. one of the representative young business men of Lebanon county. engaged in the butchering business in North Cornwall town- ship, near Zinns Mill, three miles south of Lebanon city, was born at Co- lumbia, Lancaster Co., Pa., March 20. 1868, a son of John and Rickey ( Bier- ley) Sheaf, residing in Manheim, Lancaster county. The father is a huck- sterer and a most worthy man. The parents are consistent members of the Manheim Lutheran Church. They had a family of two children. now liv- ing : John B. ; and Carrie, who married William Neareling. of Philadelphia.
John B. Sheaf was reared in Manheim from the age of eight to nine- teen years, spending half the year at school, and half working upon the various farms in the neighborhood, and learning those habits of thrift and industry which have so largely contributed toward his success. At the age
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of nineteen, he removed to Lebanon city, where he learned butchering with Gephart Brothers, remaining with this firm for eight years, but in 1895 he started into business on his own account in North Cornwall township, and has since remained. doing a general slaughtering and butchering business, attending the Lebanon markets, and keeping three wagons on the road, his entire receipts aggregating from $1200 to $1500 monthly.
On April 13, 1889. Mr. Sheaf was married to Miss Mary Kiscadden, a daughter of William Kiscadden, who was born at Cornwall, Lebanon county. Two children have been born of this union : Minnie May and William Roy. The family are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which they take an active part. Mr. Sheaf is a member of the Mystic Chain, No. 7. P. O. S. of A., and also of the Junior O. U. A. M. Having made his way in life from very humble beginnings, his success is certainly very much to his credit, and he is not only very popular as a good business man, but also as one who takes a deep interest in all measures calculated to prove beneficial to the community in general.
JOSEPH STROHMAN, in whom Lebanon county finds a prominent, progressive and wealthy citizen, who has arisen to his present financial posi- tion entirely through his own efforts, being in fact a self-made man, is at the same time, one of the very best citizens of his community.
Mr. Strohman was born March 22, 1853, in Union township, Lebanon county, son of Stephen and Priscilla ( Beck ) Strohman, both deceased. Joseph Strohman, the grandfather, came from York county. He was a wheelwright by trade and made his home at the Union Water Works. He died at the age of eighty years, leaving eight children: Stephen, Jeremiah, John, Mary Ann, Margaret. Elizabeth. Catherine and Rebecca.
Stephen Strohman, father of Joseph, was a boatman on the old Union canal, following this vocation all his life, making his home at Lickdale, in Union township. Here he died at the age of forty-three years. His first marriage was to Catherine Kern, who died without issue. His second mar- riage was to Priscilla Beck and the three children born to this union were: Stephen, a laborer, residing at West Lebanon: Joseph: and Priscilla. who died in childhood.
Joseph Strohman had few early educational advantages, beginning the battle of life at the age of nine years, as a driver on the various canals of the locality, those waterways which once were such necessary channels of trans- portation, working on the Union, Pennsylvania and Schuylkill canals for seven years, thus supporting his mother. At the age of sixteen he began
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railroading, his position being a humble one on the Pine Grove Branch, later being made foreman of the repair gang, continuing in the employ of the railroad for thirteen years. From this position he entered the employ of Robert H. Coleman on track construction, and was so intelligent and indus- trious that in 1883 he was given charge of the quarries at West Lebanon. This work he performed alone until 1897, when he took Cyrus Heverling as assistant, the business being conducted under the firm name of Strohman & Heverling, the stone here quarried being for the furnaces alone. Some sixty men are employed, and the work done is satisfactory in every way on account of the good management of Mr. Strohman. His pleasant home is located near Heilmandale, where he owns a fine farm of 137 acres, and in addition owns the "West End Hotel" property and four good tenement houses in West Lebanon. Although Mr. Strohman has led a very active life he shows no signs of age, his vigor and energy still encouraging other business enterprises and financial transactions. In politics he is an active Republican, has served on the school board and as supervisor and is one of the township's public- spirited and useful citizens.
In 1872 Mr. Strohman was married to Miss Lydia A. Yingst, born in North Lebanon township, daughter of Henry L. Yingst. A family of nine children has been born to this union, but the parents have been bereaved of four, the survivors being : (1) Mary J., the wife of Henry Cleiser, a laborer, has two children, Maud and Claud, twins ; by a previous marriage to Charles Kramer, she had three children, Lydia and Joseph surviving. (2) Joseph Y., the eldest son, a graduate of the Poughkeepsie Business College, and of the State Normal School at Millersville, in 1898. is one of the successful teachers of Lebanon county. (3) Thomas H. was also educated at the Normal School at Millersville and resides at home. (4) Lizzie married Harry Houser and resides at home, as does also the youngest daughter, (5) Maggie May. The religious membership of the Strohman family is in the Reformed Church, where they are most highly valued. Mr. Strohman fills the ideal of a first-class American citizen, honorably independent, intelligent from long experience and proud of his country and her institutions. In private life he is esteemed and beloved.
REUBEN CARPENTER, the genial proprietor of the well known and popular hostelry at Rexmont. Lebanon county, known as the "Rexmont Hotel," is one of that locality's most prominent and public-spirited citizens, and he was born in Cornwall, Lebanon county, April 11, 1855. son of Reuben and Caroline ( Bostick) Carpenter.
BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY. 745
The early boyhood days of Mr. Carpenter were spent in Cornwall, where he received his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eleven years, he began to earn wages, young as he was, as chore boy, in the employ of J. P. Jackson, with whom he remained eighteen months, after which he was employed hauling stone at the lime kilns for two years. His next employment was as dumpsman at the Cornwall furnace, but after a year and one-half he took the position of teamster at the Cornwall mill, and remained in that capacity for eight years. From the expiration of that period until 1899, he was employed in the ore banks, and at the latter date rented the "Rexmont Hotel," purchasing the property in April, 1902; he has fitted the house with all modern improvements, conducting it upon modern and home- like principles. Mr. Carpenter is well fitted for his position, being cordial and pleasant in manner, with many friends, and his hotel is one of the best in Lebanon county. Being essentially a self-made man in every particular, the success which has followed his efforts, is certainly well merited, and he under- stands fully how to sympathize with those still struggling to make their way in life. In the ranks of the Republican party, Mr. Carpenter has always taken an active part, wielding a strong influence, both as party manager, official representative of Republican doctrines, as member of the Republican County Central Committee, and as a private citizen. For many years he has been a member of Cornwall Beneficial Society, and of the I. O. O. F. of Lebanon; the Mystic Chain of Cornwall; and P. O. S. of A.
On June 25, 1874, Mr. Carpenter was married to Caroline Rauck, daughter of George Rauck, and children as follows have been born to them: Simon T., deceased; Maurice, who married Sallie Staley, and has two chiil- dren, Clayton Mckinley and Ellsworth; Frank, deceased: George; Reuben; Amanda ; Irvin; Mary. The entire family are highly respected in this com- munity, and are important factors in the social, political and fraternal life of Rexmont.
CHARLES SHNEIDER, of Lebanon, Pa., who is the proprietor of Shneider's Brewery, was born in Saxony, Germany, March 27. 1865. He is a son of Edward and Wilhelmina Shneider, of Germany, both of whom are deceased. Edward Shneider was a weaver by trade. He was the father of twelve children, ten of whom are living, six in Germany and four in America.
Charles Shneider came to America December 14, 1882, landing in New York, and from there went to Philadelphia, where he worked in a brewery for eleven years. Later he went to work in a brewery in Harrisburg, and came to Lebanon in 1897. He then went into the hotel business, as pro-
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prietor of the "Pleasant Hill Hotel." In partnership with his brother, Gus- tave, he bought the old Union Brewery plant in 1898, changing the name to Shneider's Brewery. The business was considerably run down, but by the efforts of Charles F., they managed to build up a nice trade, and put the brewery on a paying basis, making about 5,000 barrels of beer annually, of a fine quality and flavor. In 1901 Mr. Shneider bought his brother's interest in the brewery, and is now the sole proprietor of the plant, which is located at the corner of Twelfth street and the Philadelphia & Reading railroad tracks, in the city of Lebanon. Mr. Shneider is a thrifty, self-made man. for when he arrived in New York he had but six cents. He was married to Louisa Ellinger, of Philadelphia, in 1886, and they have had three children, Minnie, Charlie and Louisa. In politics Mr. Shneider votes for the best man, not binding himself to any particular party. In religion he and his wife are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church of Lebanon, Pa. He is a member of the Red Men. the B. and E., of Philadelphia, and a German Lodge of Lebanon. He is well liked, and is big hearted, and a friend to all ; honest and square in all his dealings, he is one of the eminent citizens and successful business men of Lebanon.
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