Biographical annals of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent men and representative citizens and of the early settled families, Part 9

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

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 9

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The Strickler family of which Mrs. Moore is a member is one of the oldest in Millcreek township, and was a highly influential one. From them the village of Stricklerstown received its name.

JOSIAH MEILY GETTEL, organizer of the Lebanon Manufacturing Company, also for many years its efficient superintendent, has been well- known in Lebanon for fully fifty-six years. He started out a plain car- penter, and attained his final influential position mainly through persistent effort, wise economy and squareness in business. Born in Fredericksburg, Lebanon county, April 26, 1829, son of John and Elizabeth (Meily) Gettel, he comes of a highly respected family.

Jolin Gettel was a prominent agriculturist in Lebanon county for many years. During his young manhood he married Elizabeth Meily, who was descended from one of the old and honored Lebanon county families. Of this union there were four children : Mary, married to Jeremiah Heilman, of Jonestown, Pa., and Elizabeth, married to David Bixler, who are now deceased ; Anna is the wife of Joseph Smith, of Robinson, Ill .; and Josiah M. is mentioned below.

Josiah M. Gettel started out in life under some rather disadvantageous

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

circumstances. Bereft of both parents before he reached the age of six years, his educational advantages were few. At the early age of four losing his father, and a year later his mother, he was sent to live with a man named Light. Here he remained until he was fourteen, taking many a hard lesson in the school of self-reliance. For the next two years he lived with his uncle, Henry Meily, of Jonestown, Pa., then, at the age of sixteen, realizing the necessity of fitting himself for some lucrative position in life, he went into a cabinetmaker's shop and set about learning the trade. With a resolute mind he applied himself to his work until he had mastered every detail. Though now, in 1847, a mere youth, he went to Lebanon and fol- lowed the trade as a carpenter. A skilled and conscientious workman, with fidelity and constancy as his watchwords, he found no difficulty in securing trade, and continued his business for three successful years. In 1850, when but twenty-one years old, he married Maria A. Shindel, daughter of Judge John Shindel, and a representative of one of the first families of Lebanon. She proved an estimable and most helpful woman throughout her life, being a woman full of good works. She died July 20, 1891. By this marriage there were two daughters: Sarah, widow of the late Rev. J. Klein Fisher, has one son, Arthur G .; and Emma V. Both daughters reside with their father.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Gettel rose from the position of a carpenter to that of a contractor and builder. Giving eminent satisfaction in this line, and realizing large profits, he continued the business in Lebanon for a num- ber of years; and some of the handsomest residences in the city were erected by him during this period. In 1857 he organized the lumber and planing- mill firm of Boas, Gasser & Gettel, and for three years, until 1860, when the buildings were destroyed by fire, he carried on a flourishing business. Then, resuming his recent lucrative occupation as builder and contractor, he went to Schuylkill county, Pa., and superintended the erection of many buildings, among them a large number of both business and private houses in Mahanoy City, which was just opened at that time. At the end of a year he returned to Lebanon, where he carried on the same business until 1863. For the next three years he served as superintendent of the Meily & Weimer Car Shops, handling the business with much ability. In 1866, believing there was capital enough in Lebanon to sustain a large manufac- turing establishment, he organized what has since become one of the leading industries in the city. the Lebanon Manufacturing Company. Of this com- pany he was at once made superintendent. and he served as such, with the exception of three years, 1894-1897, until January 1, 1902, when the firm

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

became consolidated with that of M. H. Treadwell & Co. The success of the enterprise speaks for itself of Mr. Gettel's ability as a superintendent. After his resignation in 1894 he was engaged for three years in the manu- facture of implements. He is now a director and a large stockholder of the Lebanon Manufacturing Company.

A man of great force of character, Mr. Gettel has always been extremely temperate in habits, and in politics he is a Prohibitionist. A noble Chris- tian gentleman, he in early life identified himself with the United Brethren Church, of which he is the only surviving charter member, and in 1866 with several others organized the Trinity, United Brethren Church. In this religious body he has long been an active worker, having served as a trustee from the organization until recently, and he gives liberally for its support.

ADAM HAUCK, one of the wealthy and highly respected citizens, residing on his fine farm two miles south of Lebanon city, in North Cornwall township, Lebanon county, was born in that township March 17, 1838, son of Samuel and Lydia Hauck.

Adam Hauck was reared upon his father's farm, receiving a good edu- cation at the public schools, and when he was twenty-one years of age, his father placed one of his farms in North Cornwall township in his charge, and the young man successfully operated it for seven years. At that time occurred the death of his father, and Mr. Hauck purchased a fine farm of eighty-two acres, two miles south of Lebanon city, on the Lancaster road, to which he later added until he had a property of 105 acres, where he carried on general farming and was very successful. This farm is now operated by his eldest son, Mr. Hauck in 1894 removing to his present home of forty acres, one of the finest farms in the county, beautifully situ- ated, and provided with a comfortable and modern frame residence, excellent barns and other buildings, and everything kept in good condition. MI. Hauck is a Republican in politics, and although he has never desired or accepted office, he can always be depended upon to support any measure cal- culated to prove of benefit to the county or township Having been quite a traveler and a close observer, Mr. Hauck is a delightful conversationalist, and some of his adventures are worthy of publication.

On September 27. 1860, Mr. Hauck was married to Miss Marian Shenk, daughter of Michael and Sarah ( Host) Shenk. Mrs. Hauck was born in Heidelberg township, Lebanon county. Eight children were born to them: Malinda married Jacob Hemperly, of North Lebanon township, and has two children, Adam and Harry; Mary married William Longnecker, of North

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

Cornwall township, and has two children, Manerva and Mary ; Grant, farmer of the homestead, married Kate Bomberger, and has one child, Abel Valen- tine: John is single and at home ; Sarah married Prof. Ammon A. Killian, of North Cornwall township, Lebanon county, and has one child, Lillian Irene; and three died in infancy. The members of the Hauck family are con- nected with the Lutheran Church, and all are important factors in the social life of their community.

HENRY LOUSER (deceased ). The history of any locality is an account of its leading citizens, and among those who aided in the develop- ment and establishment of the present prosperity of Lebanon, Pa., one deserving of honorable mention, is Henry Louser, deceased, who for many years was one of the well-known merchants of the community, where he and his family were so prominent.

Henry Louser was born in the Second Ward of Lebanon, in October, 1826, and died in the same month, 1896. His father, Jacob Louser, was the son of John Louser, a native of Schaefferstown, Lebanon county. The latter was a locksmith by trade, who located in Lebanon during the last century. Jolin Louser owned the property on the southeast corner of Ninth and Chest- nut streets, which is now owned and occupied by J. Louser & Bro. Jacob Louser, the father of Henry, succeeded his father. John, in the locksmith business, and in 1850 also engaged in merchandising. having associated with him his two sons, John and Henry. Jacob's interest was later transferred to three of his younger sons, Jacob, William and George, and the firm name was changed to that of J. Louser & Bros. The first vacancy in this firm was made upon the death of George, and later, in order of mention, died Jacob, Henry, John and William, the latter conducting the business until 1901. when he, too, passed away, and the present proprietors, Jacob and John, sons of Henry, succeeded to it, they having represented part of the interest of their father from the time of his demise until they entered into full possession.

Henry Louser was married, in 1855, to Rebecca M. Embich, daughter of Samuel Embich, who died in 1864, at the age of thirty-six. To Mr. and Mrs. Louser were born the following family: Jacob E. ; Samuel A., born in June, 1857; Catherine, born in June, 1859, married J. Harry Brown, of Lebanon ; and John. Mrs. Louser was a good and devoted wife and mother, and a consistent member of the Salem Lutheran Church. Mr. Louser was later married again, his second choice being Anna McGowan, who died in 1891, without issue.

JACOR F. AND JOHN LOUSER, the senior and junior members of the well-

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

known firm of J. Louser & Bro., were born in the building which they now use as a place of business, corner of Ninth and Chestnut streets, and were both educated in the public schools of Lebanon. After leaving school they entered the store of J. Louser & Bros., as clerks, and continued in this capacity until 1901, when they became the proprietors. Both are highly esteemed, not only as the representatives of an old and solid business con- cern, but as honorable men, thoroughly conversant with every detail of their trade. John Louser is a member of Camp No. 65, P. O. S. of A., and is active in the organization. Both Jacob and John are earnest members of the Salem Lutheran Church. Jacob Louser was married, in 1875, to Mary Rosenberger, daughter of William and Rachael Rosenberger, of Lebanon. To this union were born Rebecca M., who married Mason D. Hoke, of Bis- marck, Pa .; William H., born June 17, 1877, who married Ella Mountz; and Anna.

CYRUS REX. The Rex family was established in Lebanon county by Abraham and Samuel Rex, who came hither from Chestnut Hill, German- town, and located at Schaefferstown, formerly in Lancaster county, where Samuel became a prominent man, serving as justice of the peace and as a successful merchant, and becoming widely known as a scrivener. His pleasant manner made him many friends, and although he left no issue, in affection he was known as "Uncle" by a great many of the residents.

Abraham Rex, the father of Cyrus Rex, of Rexmont, came to Lebanon county prior to his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Schaeffer, daughter of Henry and Eva Schaeffer, and granddaughter of Alexander Schaeffer, the founder of Schaefferstown. After marriage Mr. Rex embarked in a mercantile business, and for many years Avas the leading merchant of that place. Here he erected an excellent hotel which he operated for a long time. He became widely known as a business man and public-spirited citizen, and was one of the directors in the Lebanon Bank. His family of seven children all reached maturity, these being: Mary, who became the wife of Peter Zimmerman; Samuel S., a merchant, who married Lucetta Shultz, daughter of Peter Shultz ; Franklin, who was killed in a railroad accident when returning from his graduation as a physician ; Ann, who married W. M. Weigley of Schaeffers- town ; Abraham, a merchant at Schaefferstown, who married Amanda Horter, of Germantown : George, born December 3, 1815, who read medicine with Dr. Gloninger, practiced at Jonestown, later at South Bend, Ind., and also at Phila- delphia ; and Cyrus.

Dr. George Rex, of the above family, was on December 26, 1861, nom-

Real

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

inated by President Abraham Lincoln, Brigadier Surgeon of Volunteers, and on March 9, 1866, had conferred upon him by President Johnson, the Senate concurring, the rank of Brevet-Colonel, to date from June 1, 1865, for faith- ful and meritorious service. During the progress of the war Dr. Rex served on the field as well, and was placed in charge of the military hospitals at St. Louis, Mo., Omaha, Neb .. Baltimore, Md., and Chester, Pa. This brave officer, skilled surgeon and honorable man died at Cornwall, April 20, 1884, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife was Henrietta Harper, of Lebanon county.

Cyrus Rex, the only surviving member of the family of Abraham and Elizabeth Rex, and its youngest member, was born August 2, 1822. His education was acquired in the best institutions of learning and by observation and experience in European travel. Upon his return to America he engaged in a brokerage business for several years in Philadelphia, but came to Lebanon in 1857 and accepted a clerkship in the Lebanon Bank. Here he remained nine years, and in 1866 moved to Cornwall, where for seven years he engaged in a mercantile business, removing then to Rexmont, where he has continued in the same line until the present. Mr. Rex has been a very prominent factor in the material development of this part of the county. It was his public spirit that accomplished the platting of the village of Rexmont, one of the most attractive and prosperous communities of South Lebanon township. He also owns a fine farm of ninety-six acres, and is interested as director and stock- holder in both the Valley National Bank and the People's Bank of Lebanon. Mr. Rex has never married. He is a man of genial manner, thorough educa- tion, and a pleasing personality, which has brought him a large circle of friends. In political sentiment he is a Cleveland Democrat. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., which he joined in 1848, and in religion, like his father before him, he is a Lutheran.

ELMER F. HAUER, cashier of the People's National Bank, of Leba- non, Pa., was born in that city August 9, 1861. His early education was obtained in the common schools of Lebanon, and after completing the course with credit he entered his father's grocery store and assisted in the business until the father sold it, in 1881, a month prior to his death. Elmer E. then embarked in the photographic business, which he learned in the studio of F. W. Quinby, and purchased the establishment of J. H. Keim, and conducted this for several years. In 1888, when the People's National Bank of Lebanon was organized, he was chosen teller of the same, begin- ning his duties as such the day the bank opened for business. This position

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

he held until January 12, 1897, when he was promoted to be assistant cashier, and this was followed January 11, 1898, by his election as cashier of the bank, succeeding the late Mr. Woomer. His fraternal connections are with the I. O. O. F., the P. O. S. of A., the Red Men, the Knights of Malta and the Knights of the Mystic Chain.

On June 27, 1888, Mr. Hauer was married to Lizzie M. Kleiser, a native of Lebanon and a daughter of John Kleiser, one of the board of county com- missioners of Lebanon county. Two children have blessed their union : Ralph and Julia. Mr. Hauer is one of the substantial men of this city, and is highly esteemed for his integrity of character and many estimable personal characteristics.

JOHN WEIDMAN MISH, one of Lebanon's oldest and best-known citizens, was born April 22, 1822, in what is now the Hartman House, on North Ninth street, Lebanon, son of the late Dr. John Bickel Mish.

John Mish, the great-grandfather of John Weidman Mish, was born September 8, 1729, and died January 20, 1810. He married Margaret Swake, who was born September 28, 1838. Both were buried in Friedler's Kirche (Church) graveyard, near Shiremanstown, Cumberland county, Pa. The great-grandfather on the maternal side was John Bickel, a native of Switzerland, born in 1748, who came with his parents to America when he was a boy, settling in Pennsylvania, prior to the French and Indian war. He was one of the first settlers of what is now Bethel township, Lebanon county, served in the Revolutionary war as a member of Capt. Koppen- heffer's company, of Col. Timothy Green's battalion, and subsequently saw service on the frontier. His death occurred in 1840, at Jonestown, Lebanon county. Of his children, John married and reared a large family, dying in advanced age. He was the first postmaster of Jonestown. His daughter, Catharine, married Jacob Mish, of Harrisburg, and they were the grand- parents of John Weidman Mish.

Dr. John Bickel Mish, father of Mr. Mish, of Lebanon, was born Jannary 12, 1791, in Harrisburg, Pa., was educated in private schools and studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Agnew, a leading physician of the State at that time. He matriculated, November 14, 1811, in the Medical De- partment of the University of Pennsylvania. and attended one course of lec- tures, but did not graduate, as upon his return he began the practice of medicine. and, as was the general or quite common custom of the day. acquired a large practice and did not get back to the University. He settled in Jonestown, Lebanon county. where he remained until 1821, when he

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

returned to Lebanon, and in that city practiced his profession with great success until his death on December 15, 1837. In March. 1826, the Alle- ghany College conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Mish was very prominent both as a physician and as a surgeon as well as a citizen. By appointment of the governor, he served as prothon- otary of Lebanon county in 1837, and was at the same time serving as chief burgess of the borough. He was captain of a cavalry company, and was popular in military circles, and was buried with the honors of war. Physically Dr. Mish was a large man, six feet one inch tall, well pro- portioned, and without superfluous flesh. Gen. Simon Cameron, who was the warm friend and companion of the Doctor when they were young men together in Harrisburg, often was known to remark that "he was the hand- somest man in the State."

In 1816 Dr. Mish married Maria Weidman, daughter of Capt. John Weidman, of the Revolutionary war, then residing at and owner of the Union Forge, Lickdale, Lebanon county. Mrs. Mish was born in 1793, and died in 1866. They had four children, three sons and one daughter, as follows: John Weidman; Dr. Physick Bickel, deceased; Catherine Eliza- beth, who resides in New Jersey; and Charles Carroll, deceased.

John Weidman Mish was reared in Lebanon and was educated in the old Lebanon Academy. When in his eighteenth year he began teaching school in Union township, Lebanon county, and in 1841 he became principal of the Annville Academy, where he taught one year. He then began reading law with his uncle, Jacob B. Weidman, and in 1845 was admitted to the Bar, practicing his profession for several years, for three years being district attorney, the first man elected to that office under the new constitution. The county was Republican in politics, and he was a Democrat, but his popu- larity won the office. The legal profession not offering him the opportuni- ties he desired, although fitted by nature to win laurels in it, he retired from it and became interested in buying and selling real estate. Mr. Mish has proven a successful business man, and is secretary and treasurer of the Leb- anon Gas Co., holding this position since 1856, the date of its organization. For many years he served as director of the Lebanon National Bank; was president of the Dime Savings Bank of Lebanon for three years: was cashier of the First National Bank of Lebanon for ten years, when he resigned ; was treasurer of the borough of Lebanon for some time; and is now and has been for twenty years, president of the Lebanon Cemetery Company. He also served two terms in the city council.

Mr. Mish was made a Mason at Mt. Lebanon Lodge in 1848, and

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

is the oldest Free-Mason in Lebanon county. He is also a member of Mohegan Lodge, No. 288, I. O. O. F., of which he is a charter member, having formerly belonged to Lebanon Lodge of that order. In religious belief he is attached to the Reformed church.

In 1848, Mr. Mish was married to Amelia Krause, born in 1826, in Baltimore, and died in 1896, leaving five children, as follows: Matilda K., the wife of Charles H. Killinger, of Lebanon; Mason P., of Lebanon; William W., residing in South Lebanon township: Robert C., in business in Los Angeles, Cal .; and John, a resident of Lebanon.

GEORGE GASSERT, an honored citizen of Lebanon, Pa., is a con- tractor and builder, and by trade a carpenter, in that city. He was born in Lebanon May 2, 1831, and is a son of John and Sarah (Schott) Gassert, of Lebanon county.

John Gassert, the father, was a farmer. He was born in Cornwall township in 1797. and died in Lebanon in 1873. His wife, Sarah Schott, was born in South Lebanon township in 1801, and died in 1883. They were the parents of eight children: Sarah; Magdalena; John ; George; Eliza- beth ; Joseph; Samuel, of St. Louis; and William, of Lebanon. Politically the father was a stanch Democrat. John Gassert was a son of John Gassert, a native of Germany, who settled in Lebanon county when it was a part of Lancaster county, and there died in 1850. The maternal grandfather, George Schott, was born in Lancaster, now Lebanon, county, in 1763, and died in 1854.

George Gassert was born and raised on the farm, two miles south of the city of Lebanon, and attended the country schools. At the age of twenty he was put to the trade of carpenter, and he pursued this occupation, with contracting and building until 1883. when he retired from contract work.

On April 10, 1858, Mr. Gassert married Miss Susanna Kauffman, who was a daughter of John Kauffman, of Lebanon county, who was a farmer and potter by trade. Their married life was enhanced by the birth of three children: Sarah, Elizabeth and John (who is a brick layer, of Lebanon). His wife, Susanna, died in 1881. Mr. Gassert is one of the leading Democrats of Lebanon. He was in the employ of the United States government during the war of the Rebellion, as a member of the Construc- tion Corps. He is a member of the Salem Lutheran church, and is one of the oldest members, having joined the church over fifty-two years ago, and has been an elder, deacon and trustee in the church.

As a contractor and builder Mr. Gassert has built many of the principal

BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LEBANON COUNTY.

business houses and residences in the city of Lebanon, and was the con- tractor and builder of the Bethany Orphans' Home at Womelsdorf, Berks county, Pa., a Reformed Church institution, which at this time is in a pros- perous condition. Quite a number of churches in Lebanon county are the work of his creation, and only lately he superintended the erection of Salem Lutheran chapel, on Eighth street, near Willow, one of the finest buildings in this locality. Mr. Gassert is a self-made man, and only by pluck and industry was he able to reach the point of his ambition. At the time of the introduction of the water supply into the city of Lebanon he was a , member of city councils, and he is the owner of considerable real estate in Lebanon city.

GEORGE H. HORST, cashier of the Myerstown National Bank, and one of the highly esteemed and influential citizens of Lebanon county, was born March 16, 1850, only son of Henry and Sarah ( Landis) Horst, the former of whom was for many years a leading business man of Dauphin county.

Henry Horst was born in 1823, in South Annville township, Lebanon county, and died in 1891, at Union Deposit, Dauphin county. His parents were Joseph and Barbara Horst, most highly respected farming people, and early settlers in Lebanon county in the locality of what is known as Horst's Mills. The Horst family was founded in America by three brothers of the name who emigrated from Germany prior to the war of the Revolution, settling in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, Pennsylvania, and from these early pioneers the various branches of the family have descended. The only sister of George H. Horst is Emma, the wife of A. L. Landis, who is a prominent man and justice of the peace at Union Deposit, Dauphin county. Henry Horst was widely known. During a long and active life he was an extensive dealer in horses and stock, being a shipper of cattle and horses from western to eastern markets. He was a member of the firm of Bals- baugh. Gingrich, Horst & Co., who put up an iron blast furnace at Union Deposit in 1855, and carried on business there for some years. He was a prosperous business man and made his own success. During his many · years at Union Deposit Mr. Horst was a consistent member of the United Brethren Church and a public spirited citizen. His political affiliation was with the Republican party, but he took no active part in politics, though he was a school director.

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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 9

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