USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > Commemorative biographical encyclopedia of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania : containing sketches of prominent and representative citizens and many of the early Scotch-Irish and German settlers. Pt. 1 > Part 65
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KELLER, JOHN P .- Among the profes- sional men in Harrisburg who have passed the period of activity and success in the business life, and are quietly enjoying the fruits of their labors in carlier years, Dr. John P. Keller holds a prominent place. He was born in Harrisburg, February 20, 1831, and is a son of John Peter and Lydia (Kunkle) Keller, natives of Harrisburg, born February 25, 1808, and November 9, 1811, respectively. The father was educated and reared to manhood in his native city, and here also were spent the brief and busy years of his business career. He was a hardware merchant, and his place of business was at the corner of Second and Walnut streets, where he carefully laid the foundations of a large and scenre business, and where the prospects of an increasing and profitable trade appeared most flattering, but were all blasted by his early death, which occurred December 13, 1837, in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His wife survived him many years, not having been called away from life until February 10, 1860. There were born to these worthy parents four children, of whom John P. and Christian Kunkle are the only survivors, two having died in child- hood.
John Peter was a bright and diligent pupil in the public schools and academy of the eity, and reached the end of their course of studies with a very fair degree of intel- lectual training, which abundantly qualified him to take up professional preparation. He made choice of dentistry as the profes- sion most in accord with his tastes and talents, and most promising as a field for employment. Ile took up the study with Dr. J. C. Stoek, where he received the fullest
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and most accurate instruction and training in the science and art he had decided to master. Dr. Stock was, at this time, in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice, from which he was called away by early death, and to which his promising pupil succeeded. Dr. Keller was devoted to his chosen occupation, and was eminently suc- cessful in professional work. He continued in practice until 1875, at which time he re- tired to the enjoyment of relief and rest from the exaeting engagements of professional life. The marriage of Dr. Keller to Miss Emeline H. Croll, daughter of John and Eliza (Lanman) Croll, of Middletown, Pa., occurred at that place, June 20, 1861. There have been born to them six children, of whom one died in infancy, and the surviv- ing are : John Peter, Croll, Helen Lydia, Christian Kunkel and William Lanman. Dr. Keller is a director of the Verbeke Street market house. In political principles he is in agreement with the Republican party. The preferences of his family in matters of religious doctrine and worship are expressed in connection with their membership in the Lutheran church.
- SMITH, EDWIN B., D. D. S., was born at Linglestown, Dauphin county, Pa., March 28, 1855, son of Peterand Elizabeth (Thomp- son) Smith. His father was born in Lan- caster county, June 2, 1819, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, born in Berks county, Pa., April 23, 1832, daugliter of Dr. Thomp- son. They had seven children, of whom five are living : John II., Dr. E. B., Amanda, Charles, and Preston. Their deceased chil- dren are : Fannie, died in February, 1873, aged eighteen years, and Louisa, wife of J. F. Brightbill. The father filled various town- ship offices. He died in August, 1893, aged seventy-three years. The mother is still living at the age of sixty-four years and re- sides in Canton, O. Edwin B. received his early education in the public schools at Lin- glestown, which he attended until he was fifteen years old, after which he attended the St. Thomas Academy, at Linglestown, for two terms. Ile began teaching when he was seventeen years of age, and was em- ployed in this occupation for seven succes- sive terms. During the intervals and vaca- tion between terms he attended a private
school at Allentown, Pa. He was graduated from the College of Dental Surgery, at Bal- timore, in 1881, and came to Linglestown and opened an office for the practice of dentistry. During the last seven years the Doctor has had an office at Harrisburg, and in 1895 removed his residence to this city, locating at No. 931 North Third street. The family are members of the Reformed church. Dr. Smith was married at Linglestown, Feb- ruary 12, 1878, to Miss Christina Hicks, daughter of Jacob Hicks. They have no children. The Doctor is a member of Lin- glestown Lodge, No. 629, I. O. O. F. In his political views he is a Democrat. The father of Mrs. Smith is a native of Dauphin county, and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Christina Marberger, a native of Schuylkill county, to whom were born seven children. He filled the office of justice of the peace in West Hanover township and also that of school director. IIe died in 1875 aged sixty-three years. llis wife died in April, 1890, at the same age. They were members of the Reformed church.
- BAKER, GEORGE W., D. D. S., was born in Linglestown, Dauphin county, Pa., February 27, 1859, son of George W. and Rebecca (Hicks) Baker. The parents were both natives of Lower Paxton township, where the father carried on the business of coach making for thirty-five years, and died in 1892. His wife survives and resides in Linglestown. They had eight children, of whom five are living : George W., Minnie C., John M., dentist of Lykens, Pa., William, a student of dentistry, Ella C., teacher in the public schools. George W. received his primary education in the public schools of his native township, and after completing his course was engaged for five terms in teaching school in Dauphin county .. In 1883 he began the study of den- tistry with Dr. E. B. Smith in Linglestown, and prosecuted it during 1883 and 1884 and also a part of 1881 and 1SS5. He took the course of study and lectures in the College of Dental Surgeons at Baltimore, and was gradu- ated from that institution in 1SSG, after which he at once entered upon the practice of den- tistry in Harrisburg. Dr. Baker was married in Linglestown, October 9, 1881, to Emma E. Harper, daughter of George W. and Sallie Harper, of Linglestown, to whom has been born one child, Harry H. The Doctor is a
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member of Robert Burns Lodge, No. 464, F. & A. M .; Linglestown Lodge, No. 621, I. O. O. F., and of Phoenix Lodge, K. of P., of Harrisburg. HIe attends the Reformed church.
POFFENBERGER, THOMAS M. L., D. D. S., was born in Linglestown, Dauphin county, Pa., September 2, 1864, son of William and Henrietta (McConnell) Poffenberger, both deceased. The parents were born in Dau- phin county, the father in Middle Paxton and the mother in Halifax township. They spent their entire life in the county, and both died in Middle Paxton township. They had seven children, of whom five are living: Emma, widow of Mr. Sheaffer, who was killed by the falling of the Harrisburg bridge; Ella, widow of the late Joseph Lingle, residing in Linglestown, Pa .; An- drew, a prominent farmer in Laneaster county; William, residing in Columbus, Ohio, and Dr. Thomas M. L. Thomas M. L. was reared in his native township and attended the public schools and later was a pupil at the State Normal School at Mil- lersville for two years. He then studied dentistry four years with Dr. Christ, of Hum- melstown, Pa. In 1876 he studied one term in the Pennsylvania Dental College, of Phila- delphia, after which he returned to Dauphin county, and practiced his profession in Mid- die Paxton township for eleven years, one year of which he spent in Syracuse attend- ing to the practice of Dr. George Curtiss of that city, who was for the time disabled by ill health. In 1886 he resumed his studies in the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in the class of 1887, after which be re-opened his office in Dauphin county. He also established a branch office at Steelton, Pa., which he sub- sequently abandoned and opened a branch office in Harrisburg, to which, for the past four years, he has devoted his whole time and attention. Dr. Poffenberger was mar- ried at Dauphin, Dauphin county, to Miss Julia Steese, daughter of Alfred F. and Mary Steese, of Dauphin county. They have one daughter, Mary S., born in 1885. The Doctor has efficiently filled the office of burgess of Dauphin one year. He is a mem- ber of Star of America Commandery, No. 113, Knights of Malta. In his political views he is a Republican. Mrs. Poffenber- ger attends the Presbyterian church.
STOREY, J. WILBERT, dentist, was born in Butler county, Pa., September 24, 1872. He is a son of the late James B. and Ada E. (Adams) Storey. James B. Storey was born in Petrolia, Butler county, Pa., March 4, 1842. He was an active politician; was elected sheriff of Butler county and filled various other offices. He enlisted, in 1861, in company H, One Hundred and Second regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, and served three months. He re-enlisted Decem- ber 19, 1862, and was wounded in the head at Cold Harbor January 3, 1863 ; at Peters- burg he was wounded in the left side and the left hand at the same time. He was dis- charged December 16, 1864, on account of disability. He was afterwards captain of company A, Thirteenth regiment, National Guards, and was commissioned major of the Sixteenth regiment, National Guards, De- eember 3, 1878, and promoted to lieutenant colonel of the same regiment July 11, 1SS2. Colonel Storey participated in the battles of Williamsburg, siege of Yorktown, Fair Oaks, siege of Richmond, battle of White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Bull Run, Antietam, and many other important engagements.
When Colonel Storey came to Harrisburg lie entered the auditor general's office as bank clerk, which position he held with credit until his death. He was also proprie- tor of the Harrisburg Slate Mantle Works. He belonged to the order of A. O. U. W. and attended the Westminster Presbyterian
church.
Colonel Storey was married, November 29, 1866, to Miss Ada V., daughter of W. C. and Annie L. (David) Adams. Five children were born to them, of whom three are liv- ing: Charles A., Ada M., and J. Wilbert. Colonel Storey died October 28, 1SS9, aged forty-seven. His wife still survives and re- sides with her son, Dr. Storey.
J. Wilbert Storey attended the public schools of Butler county until he was nine years old, when his parents removed to Har- risburg, Pa. He attended the public schools of that city for four years, and then was for one year elerk in the drug store of Dr. B. B. Hamlin, Jr. In 1890 he began a three years course of study in the Pennsylvania Dental College of Philadelphia, graduating in 1894. Soon after he began the practice of his pro- fession in Harrisburg, his present location being No. 11S South Thirteenth street. Dr. Storey is a member of Lodge No. 301, I. O. O.
e, M . Lo ,
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F. Ile belongs to the Psi-Onega Dental fra- ternity of Philadelphia and is a Republican in political views.
KELLER, CHRISTIAN KUNKLE, pharmacist, was born in Harrisburg, October 1, 1833, son of John Peter and Lydia (Kunkle) Keller. He was reared in this city and received his education in the public schools. Later he entered npon a course of study in the Penn- sylvania College at Gettysburg, which he was compelled by failing health to relinquish. IJe was employed as clerk in a store, while he was still a boy, and was engaged in va- rious ceeupations, finally learning the drug business, and since 1346 he has been eontin- ually engaged in this branch of trade for himself, being now one of the oldest business men of the eitv. He is associated with the Knights of Honor, and holds membership in the Zion Lutheran church, of which or- ganization he is also a trustee.
WINGER, HENRY C., M. D., pharmacist, was born at Hammer's Creek, Lancaster county, Pa., March S, 1837. His parents, Moses and Henrietta (Yundt) Winger, were both natives of Lancaster county, and were of Swiss ancestry. In his carly life the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in later life was in the hotel business, mercantile pursuits and distilling. For twenty years previous to his death he lived a retired life. He died in Philadelphia, April 13, 1892, aged eighty-two years, his wife having preceded him in death in .1869. They had two children : Catherine A. and Henry C.
.
When Henry C. Winger was seven years old he removed with his parents to Laneas- ter City, which was his home until he reached the age of thirty years. His pri- mary education was received in the public schools of Lancaster, and was completed at White Hall Academy, Cumberland county, from which institution he was graduated in 1853. After completing his literary course he began the study of medicine with Dr. John L. Atlee, Sr., of Lancaster, and re- mained under his instruction for five years. In 1858 he enlisted as private in the regular United States army, and was assigned to company B, First regiment. He was sent to the frontier of Texas, and was stationed at the different forts there, until all the In- dians were removed from Texas to Fort Cobb in the Indian Territory, his company,
together with a company of United States cavalry, acting as escorts in this removal. He, with his company, also assisted in the erection of this fort. While working on the fort he had his foot so badly injured that he was discharged from further duty in 1860, on account of disability. with a pension of $2 per month. In 1862 he enlisted in the United States navy, and served in this branch of the service until 1866, when he was discharged at Gosport Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., and returned to Laneaster. In 1868 he removed to Dela- ware, and there engaged in the practice of medicine for three years. In 1871 he re- moved to Harrisburg, where, for the past twenty-five years, he has been continuously engaged in the practice of his profession : and for the past fourteen years he has, in connection with his practice, been engaged in the drug business.
Dr. Henry C. Winger was married in Harrisburg, June 16, 1872, to Matilda Har- per, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Clark) Harper, of Adams county, Pa. Mrs. Harper, when a little girl, lived near Gettys- burg, and well remembers the battle fought there. During the three days' fighting, she carried water to the famished soldiers of the Union army, and had many narrow escapes from death by the explosion of shells. Her father was taken prisoner by the rebels during this battle, and although an old man and a cripple, they marched him to Salisbury prison, where he died from the effects of ill treatment, in the following February. The brother of Mrs. Winger was also taken prisoner by the rebels, and was confined in Salisbury prison for two years.
Nine children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Winger, namely: Harry C., Harriet A., Russell C., George H., Ruth, Edgar, Naomi, Charles W. and Bessie, who died in infaney. In political views the Doctor is a Democrat. The family attend the Pine Street Presbyterian church.
CLARK, JOSEPH NELSON, M. D., physician and pharmacist was born in Monaghan township, near Dillsburg, York county, Pa., November 12, 1839. He is a son of James and Margaret (Nelson) Clark, the former of Cumberland, the latter of York county ; both deceased. The grandfather Clark was one of the original settlers of Cumberland county, and the grandfather Nelson one of the orig-
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inal settlers of York county, having come with their parents to these counties when the country was a wilderness inhabited by In- dians. They received their lands from Will- iam Penn. The Clark family were of Scotch, and the Nelsons of English aneestry. The father of Dr. Clark was a miller by trade, and lived in Cumberland county all his life. His later years were spent in agricultural pursuits. He had a family of fourteen chil- dren; ten lived to maturity, four died in infaney. Seven survive, namely: Franeis Elizabeth, wife of George C. Chamberlin, of Manly, Worth county, Iowa; Mary A., widow of the late Col. Henry I. Zinn, of Mechanicsburg, Pa .; Joseph Nelson, subject of this sketch; Hannah If. (Mrs. Wilson), of New Orleans, La .; Elizabeth E., wife of John J. Palmer, of Medical Lake, Wash .; Calvin M., Woonsocket, S. D .; and Emma, wife of John Moul, of Carlisle, Pa.
When but one year old, Joseph Nelson Clark removed with his parents to Cumber- land county, and was educated in the public schools of Churchtown and the Normal School of Newville, Pa., now the State Nor- mal School of Shippensburg, receiving a diploma from this institution with the class of 1860. He studied in the medieal depart- ment of the University of Georgetown, at Washington, D. C., and was graduated from the institution with the elass of 1867 ; he took a post-graduate course in 1868. He praetieed medicine for one year at St. Louis, Mo., then returned to Mechanicsburg and practiced there. During 1870 and 1871 he was presi- dent of the Female Collegiate Institute, at York, Pa. In 1872 he removed to Harris- burg, where he has resided continuously for twenty-three years. Until 1887 he devoted his attention solely to the practice of his pro- fession. For the past eight years he has given the greater part of his time to the drug business. He is proprietor of McNeil's Pain Exterminator, a popular remedy of wide sale. In 1861 Dr. Clark volunteered for service in the army, under the eall for three months' men, and was assigned to the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves. He en- listed for three years but served four years, on account of one year's imprisonment, nar- tieipating in the most important battles of the war. He was taken prisoner at the bat- tle of Gaines' Mill, and spent eight weeks in Libby prison. Two years later he was again captured with his entire regiment at the battle of the Wilderness, and was confined
in Andersonville prison from May until Sep- tember, 1864, and in Florence prison from Sep- tember until December, 1864. On February 22, 1865, he was mustered out of service at Philadelphia as sergeant major. After receiv- ing Ins discharge, he returned to his home in Cumberland county, and from there went to Washington, D. C., and was eonnceted with the war department until 1868.
Dr. Clark was married at Mechanicsburg, Pa., February 28, 1871, to Miss Kate E. Gor- gas, daughter of Soloman P. and Elizabeth Gorgas, of Meehaniesburg. They have five children: William Gorgas, residing in Phila- delphia, Mary E., Joseph Nelson, Jr., Ray- mond Perry, and Edgar George. Dr. Clark is a member of Robert Burns Lodge, No. 464, F. & A. M., and of Post No. 58, G. A. R. In political views he is a Republican. He was a member of the school board for ten years and secretary of this body for one year. Dr. Clark and his wife are members of the Westminster Presbyterian church. He enjoys the respect and esteem of the community. On account of his recognized business ability and personal worth, he is regarded as justly entitled to his phenomenal success.
- NUNEMACHER, AMBROSE W., pharmacist, was born in Germantown, Pa., son of John and Sarah Nunemacher, both natives of Philadelphia county, and both of German aneestry. The father was a prominent busi- ness man of Harrisburg, engaged in the re- tail shoe trade for many years. His wife died in December, 1893, aged eighty-four years. They reared seven children. One son, William, was accidentally killed by a horse falling on him; a daughter, Mary, died at the age of twenty-five years. Their living children are: Caroline, wife of Rev. G. J. Martz; Amanda, Samuel, and Ambrose, all living in Harrisburg; Harry, residing at Columbus, Ohio. Ambrose W. received a part of his education in the publie schools of Germantown, removing with his parents to Morris, Montgomery county, Pa., and in 1859 to Harrisburg, where he completed his education. In 1860 he began in the drug business with Charles A. Vanworls, a prominent druggist and chemist of Harris- burg, with whom he continued for over five years. In the early part of 1865 he enlisted in company I, Seventy-seventh regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, and served until 1866, heing a part of this time with General
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Stanley's Fourth corps, in Texas, and a part of the time brigade hospital steward. He was mustered out at Philadelphia, January 24, 1866, and returned to Harrisburg, and was engaged in the drug business with Dr. Markley for two years, after which he formed a partnership in the same line of trade with Rev. Charles A. Wyeth, with whom he con- tinued in business at the corner of Second and State streets until 1871, when he pur- chased Mr. Wyeth's interest, and has con- ducted the business on his own account since that date. Mr. Nunemacher was mar- ried, at Harrisburg in 1873, to America Kamerer, daughter of Henry Kamerer, to whom has been born one daughter, Viola A. Mr. Nunemacher represented the Fourth ward in common council one term. He is a member of the State and Dauphin County Pharmaceutical Societies, of which he is one of the organizers. The family attend the Lutheran church.
-ARNOLD, CALVIN M., M. D., pharmacist, was born in Dillsburg, York county, Pa., October 11, 1843, son of Micah and Mary (Miller) Arnold, both natives of Pennsylva- nia. He was reared in his native town and . educated in the public schools and Millers- ville Normal School. He was then for four years a teacher in the public schools of York and Lancaster counties, and in 1864 began reading medicine with his brother, Dr. George B. Arnold. After attending the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia one term he entered the Homeopathic Medi- cal College of New York in the fall of 1866, from which he was graduated the ensuing spring, and at once began the practice of medicine at Gettysburg, in which he was en- gaged one year, and then removed to Leb- anon, where he practiced eighteen months. In 1879 he came to Harrisburg and entered upon a general practice, in connection with which, since 1882, he has conduc'ed a drug business. Dr. Arnold was married at Lan- caster city, Pa., December 25, 1874, to Miss Annie B. Nophsker, daughter of Henry and Ellen Nophisker, of Bainbridge, Lancaster county, to whom has been born one daugh- ter, Gertrude G. The Doctor is a member of Pilgrim Commandery, No. 83, Knights of St. John and Malta; is a Prohibitionist in politics and attends the Fifth Street M. E. church.
- DEISS, WILLIAM, pharmacist, was born in the province of Waldeck, Germany, Feb- ruary 16, 1844. He is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Knipple) Deiss, both natives of Germany and both now deceased. He was reared to manhood in his native land. He received the advantages of both a pub- lic school and a collegiate education. After leaving the schools he traveled ex- tensively throughout Germany, Switzerland and France. In 1870, at the beginning of the Franco-Prussian war, he became attached to the German army in the capacity of a member of the Red Cross corps, and served therein until the close of the war in March, 1871. He then returned to his home, where he remained for two years. In 1872 he left Germany and came to America, taking up his residence with his brother, Daniel Deiss, at Columbus, Ohio, and with him learned the drug business. After the death of his brother in 1876 he became manager of this business until the business was sold out. In February, 1877, he removed to Harrisburg and engaged in the drug business with Will- iam Keller, under the firm name of Keller & Deiss. This partnership was dissolved in October of the same year. In the following December Mr. Deiss took charge of the hos- pital dispensary, in the performance of the duties of which position he rendered supreme satisfaction until the close of his term of office in 1890. On June 1, 1891, he pur- chased his present business from Ira Lott. He was married at Harrisburg, October 2. 1881, to Mary Bonacker, a native of Harris- burg and of German ancestry. Two chil- dren have been born to them: Anna E. and Mina J. In political views Mr. Deiss is an independent Democrat. The family attend the Lutheran church.
HAY, JOHN W., physician and pharmacist, Harrisburg, was born at Gettysburg, Pa., April 15, 1847. He is a son of the late Rev. Charles A. Hay, D. D., and Sarah R. (Bar- nitz) Hay. He removed with his parents to Harrisburg in 1849, and received his primary education in the schools of this city. He attended Pennsylvania College at Gettys- burg, and was graduated from that institu- tion with the class of 1868. He then en- tered the medical department of the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, graduating therefrom in 1871. IIe at once entered upon the practice of medicine in
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Harrisburg, and continued it for five years. In 1876 he engaged in the drug business, and has since given it his entire attention. IIc was married at Gettysburg, August 7, 1871, to Sarah Jane Welty, daughter of Solo- mon and Jane (Livingston) Welty. To them have been born nine children, five of whom are living. Their names are: Bessie Barnitz, Charles Livingston, Martin Luther, Nellie MeKnight, and Mary. Those dead were named: Rebecca Jane, William Welty, Ruth Stevenson, and John Deyoe. Dr. Hay is a member of Council No. 3, United Ameri- can Mechanics. He served as United States pension examiner for eighteen years. In politics the Doctor is a staunch Republican. The family attend the Lutheran church.
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