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 78
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cipals of the different departments of the school, and the institution is still success- fully conducted by them. A remarkable record of usefulness and success is that which has been made by the institution known as the School of Commerce, which is located at 16 North Market Square.
Mr. J. C. Shumberger, who founded the school in Harrisburg in April, 1894, is one of the ablest, most courteous and most dis- tinguished representatives of the scholastic profession, and by his indefatigable efforts, seconded by a staff of competent assistants, he has made it one of the most prosperous schools of the kind in the State.
The following is a list of studies pursued at this school : Double entry bookkeeping, single entry bookkeeping, commercial law, commercial arithmetic, rapid calculations, civil government, correspondence, grammar (Maxwell's Intro. and Swinton's advanced), negotiable papers, penmanship, office prac- tice, spelling, banking, practice of keeping books for the different trades, shorthand, letter copying, manifolding and typewriting. In no school in the United States is better work done than in this one. The proof is found in the case with which pupils secure good paying positions in great business houses.
There are accommodations for about 150 scholars at this school, and about 146 are at present enrolled.
Mr. Shumberger gives to every depart- ment his close personal supervision-and we all know what a powerful thing the eye of the master is. The school has the finest business college rooms in the State, fitted with all the modern conveniences. The rooms are elegantly lighted with nat- ural and electric light and heated with steam. The latest improved typewriters are in use. Those desiring to prepare them- selves for teaching penmanship in any or all of the departments of the beautiful art find superior facilities in this institution. Students holding scholarships have the privilege of attending both day and even- ing sessions until they have the course com- pleted, regardless of time. They also have the privilege of reviewing their course in the college years after, if they wish, without extra charge.
In short, this is a thoroughly up-to-date institution, having at its head one of the ae- knowledged master minds of the profession.
On May 1, 1896, Mr. Shumberger organized
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a Commercial College at Carlisle, Cumber- land county, Pa., which he is conducting successfully at this date. In connection with the School of Commerce Mr. Shum- berger edits and publishes a newspaper ealled the School of Commerce News, which is issued monthly.
During the years 1892, '93 and '94 Prof. Shumberger was principal of the commer- eial department of the Pennsylvania Chau- tauqua, and performed the duties incum- bent upon him with zeal and efficiency. , In 1803 be was elceted a director of the Phila- delphia Mutual Loan Association. In his earlier life Mr. Shumberger was engaged in mechanical pursuits. He learned both car- pentry and undertaking, and when only sixteen years of age was the overseer of twelve men engaged in creeting important structures, such as barns, dwelling houses and churches.
Mr. Shumberger was married in Lebanon, Pa., June 1, 1893, to Alberta K., daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Borden) Hepkins. They have one child, named Sarah Eliza- beth. Mr. and Mrs. Shumberger are con- sistent and active members of Messiah Lu- theran church, and are teachers in the Sun- day-school connected with that church. During the last eight months of Mr. Shum- berger's residence in Lebanon he was the faithful superintendent of the Sunday- school of the Seventh Street Lutheran church. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association and takes a lively interest in all activities tending to benefit and improve his fellow-men. Mr. Shumberger is an active member of the Pa- triotie Order Sons of America, also of the commandery of the same organization, and a member and trustee of Dauphin Conclave, No. 96, I. O. of H.
LANDON, SAMUEL G., principal of the Har- risburg high school, was born in Herrick, Bradford county, Pa., February 12, 1865, son of George and Catherine (Smith) Lan- don, both natives of Wyoming county, where they now have their residence. The father, a prominent and well-known citizen of Brad- ford county, was a college graduate and in earlier life was active in the ministry, which he was compelled by failing health to relin- quish ; subsequently he engaged in farming and later became prominent in politics, serv- ing two terms as the representative of his district in the United States Congress. He
is now living retired from business in his native town, at the advanced age of seventy- nine years. He has been twice married, having six children by his first marriage, three of whom are living: Elizabeth, wife of E. Fuller, residing at Camptown, Pa .; George K., residing at Avoca, N. Y .; and Annie, wife of R. J. Fuller, residing at Camptown, Pa .; and by his second marriage, eight chil- dren, seven living: Benson, at Chicago; Mrs. Rev. W. P. Buck, Provincetown, Mass .; Sam- uel G .; Herbert, residing on the homestead ; Carrie, wife of T. J. Reinhart, residing at Black Walnut, Wyoming county, Pa .; Jen- nie, at home; and Robert, Avoca, Pa. Sam- uel G. attended the public schools of his native township, and was graduated from Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pa., in June, 1885. He completed his college course at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in the class of 1889. For two years he was superintendent of schools at California, Mo., and for one year professor of Latin and Greek in Puget Sound University, Tacoma, Wash., after which he was for two years sup- erintendent of schools at Puyallup, Wash., and then came East to accept the position of principal of the Harrisburg high school, taking charge of the work in September, 1894. Professor Landon was married in California, Mo., June 3, 1891, to Miss Minnic E. Biggs, daughter of Thomas M. and Jose- phine Y. (McGowan) Biggs, and to their marriage there is no issue. Professor and Mrs. Landon attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
-GREGORY, FRANK II., general secretary Y. M. C. A., Pennsylvania Railroad Branch, was born in Philadelphia October 9, 1861. His grandfather, Gen. Edgar M. Gregory, served with distinction during the war of the Rebellion. Ile was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville May 3, 1863. He was promoted to brevet brigadier general September 1, 1861, and to brevet major general August 9, 1865. He was honorably discharged by general orders November 3, 1867. He served as United States marshal at Philadelphia from the date of his dis- charge from the army until his death. Capt. Frank Il. Gregory, son of the above-men- tioned General Gregory and father of the subject of this sketch, was a prominent con- traetor and bridge builder in Philadelphia, but during the latter years of his life he was with the Globe Gas Light Company, of
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Philadelphia. In the late war between the States he commanded company A, Nincty- first regiment, Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, and with his company took part in many prominent engagements. He died at Philadelphia March, 1877, after an active and successful carcer, leaving a good name as an inheritance to his descendants. His faithful and devoted wife, Mary A. (Fletcher) Gregory, still survives and resides at Derry, Pa. They had four children, three of whom are living: C. Augusta, Frank H. and W. Elbert, the eldest and youngest both resid- ing at Derry, Pa.
Frank H. was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia and of Danville, Pa. For a short time he was salesman in a gen- eral store in Philadelphia. Afterwards he learned the wire-manufacturing business and for about four months he was engaged in this business in his own interest in Phila- delphia. In 1886 he was appointed assist- ant scoretary of the P. R. R. department of the Y. M. C. A. at Philadelphia. IIe effi- ciently filled this position for nine months, when he was appointed secretary of the same institution at Derry, Pa .; there he re- mained until 1893, when he was transferred to his present position at Harrisburg. His judicious, faithful and courteous manage- ment of the affairs of the society have given him a large place in the esteem and affec- tion of the members.
Mr. Gregory was married at West Chester September 17, 1895, to Miss Lula May Frec- man, daughter of W. H. M. and Mary Free- inan, of that city. Mr. Gregory is an active member of Derry Lodge, No. 942, 1. O. O. F., of Derry, Pa .; also of Nazareth Commandery, No. 125, K. of M., of Harrisburg. In po- litical views he is a Prohibitionist. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church.
-BLACK, HOMER, general secretary Y. M. C. A., Harrisburg, Pa., was born at Ports- mouth, N. H., September 22, 1866. He is a son of William and Mary E. (Shepard) Black, natives of Portsmouth, who both died at Boston, Mass., the former June 8, 1879, the latter July 25, 1891. These parents had born to them three sons, namely : William, born August 10, 1850, and dicd June 10, 1894; James A., at present resid- ing in New York City, and Homer.
When one year old, Homer Black was taken by his parents to Boston, Mass., where they made their home. IJe received his
education in the public schools of that city. IIe became accountant in a large furniture store, which position he occupied for a long period. During the years 1888-89, and part of 1890, he was engaged as associate secre- tary of the Y. M. C. A., at Rochester, N. Y. In April, 1890, he removed to Bay City, Mich., where he filled the position of general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., until 1891, when he removed to Harrisburg. Since that date, he has, with ability and acceptance, dis- charged the duties of his present engage- ment.
He was married in Boston, Mass., Decom- ber 25, 1889, to Eugenie Dagmar Peterson, daughter of Theodore and Anne Peterson, of Boston, Mass., but at present residing at Akron, Ohio. They have two children, namely : Theodore Wesley, born June 7, 1891, and Dorothy Stearns, born April 19, 1894. Mr. Black is a member of the Royal Arcanum, No. 499, of Harrisburg. In po- litical views he is liberal. Both Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of Grace Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Black has spent most of his life in active and practical evan- gelistic work ; a wise head, warm heart and genial manner are an attractive and force- ful commendation of his religion.
- KURZENKNABE, J. H., music teacher and author, was born in Moenchehof, near Cassel, Kurhessen, Germany, June 18, 1840. He is a son of John George and Anna Kurzen- knabe. He was left an orphan in childhood. He attended the Industrial School at Cassel. When he was fourteen years old he bade farewell to friends and home, September 15, 1854, and set out to seek his fortune in the New World, sailing from Bremerhaven for America on the following day. By mistake he was transferred to a ship on which all were strangers to him, but he was buoyant with hope and free as a bird. During the voyage of forty-nine days, being a very clever violinist, he made friends among the officers and crew and became also a general favorite with the passengers, so that he was the pet of the ship. His especial attention was at- tracted to an old lady who was sick during the whole voyage. Her children in America had sent money to bring over their old mother. Te this helpless woman he minis- tered in his boyish way as best he could. The forty-nine days' voyage was tempestu- ous, and minus mast, and storm-beaten, the ship hove in sight of the eagerly looked-for
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land. On her arrival at New York, the children of the old lady were there to meet her, to whom she told the story of the boy's kindness. In this family he found a tem- porary home, and in years to come he was not forgotten by them. Arrangements were made for him to go to a seminary in Penn- sylvania, where under Christian training he found a safe shelter and valuable instruction. Having a talent for music he followed this bent, and in that institution of learning he prosecuted his musical studies and made for himself a name as a teacher of the violin and vocal music. He was afterwards placed under the care and instruction of William B. Bradbury, then the most prominent teacher of music in the country. After a thorough course under this master, Mr. Kur- zenknabe started on his own responsibility. His first and only attempt to teach singing and a day-school together in a Maryland town was a total failure, but the very next engagement, which was at Sag Harbor, L. I., proved a complete success. After teaching successfully in Baltimore and other Mary- land towns, he visited the New England States and taught conventions in a number of important citics. He then returned to Hagerstown, Md., where his lot fell in pleas- ant places, and here, too, he found the wife to cheer him through his busy life. He taught successfully in Baltimore, York, Pa., Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York, and last in Camden, N. J., where the first
. child, a boy, greeted the parents and cheered their hearts. His next plaeo of residence and teaching was Moorestown, N. J., and the next Philadelphia, where a daughter was born. The war coming on, the New Eng- land States seemed safer than Pennsylvania, henee Dedham, Mass., beeame the next home. Fine classes in Yankee land, war songs and teaching in most of the prominent towns brought money to the purse, but siekness claimed the boy for a victim. Repeated and urgent invitations from Maryland friends to make a change, for the boy's sake, induced the Kurzenknabes to disregard the threaten- ing perils of war and journey southward. An- tietam and Gettysburg brought the armies of both sides, and the great invasion left the family destitute and helpless, with but five dollars in money and a railroad ticket to Sun- bury, Pa., whence the floods drove them back. Mercersburg and study for the ministry were quickly decided upon. But exciting debates of the church involved theological gladia-
tors and their followers, and too free a tongue was not the wisest thing to have in those days of trial. Fairy visions vanished. The advent of twin boys made an increase of in- eome imperative and teaching was the only resource. A house was purchased at Me- Connellsburg, but sold after an occupancy of two years. Mechanicsburg was home for a short time,and finally Harrisburg became the permanent residence, and a house was pur- chased which is still home. Teaching for twenty-seven years in many different States, sometimes hundreds of miles from home, always joyous, looking at the bright side of life, active, with plenty of grit, yet with his heart centered where the loved ones stay, earnest, enthusiastic, this is J. II. Kurzen- knabe as his friends and scholars know him.
Professor Kurzenknabe is the author and compiler of the following books: "Sweet Silver Echoes," " Music at Sight," "Gospel Trio," " Songs and Glees," " Wreath of Gems," "Song Treasury," "Peerless Praise," " Gates Ajar," "Sowing and Reaping," "Theory of Music," " " Fair as the Morning," and "Kindly Light." The sale of "Sowing and Reaping " has reached over 280,000 copies, and over 190,000 copies of "Fair as the Morning" have been sold. "Kindly Light " starts in with 20,000 copies engaged in advance of publication. All of these books are pub- lished by his well-known house of J. H. Kurzenknabe & Sons, Harrisburg, Pa. Mr. Kurzenknabe was married in Greencastle, Pa., November 13, 1859, to Susan Shafer, daughter of George and Frederica Shafer, residents of Hagerstown, Md. Their chil- dren are : Harry J., born in Camden, N. J., printer and stationer of Harrisburg; Anna Rosina, born in Philadelphia and died June 24, 1877, in Harrisburg; Flora Fernandina, born in Hagerstown, Md., a student at Mc- Dowell's school, New York; John Erasmus and George Jacob, twins, born in Mercers- burg, Pa .; John E., manager of his father's music house ; George J., in the music busi- ness in Chicago; James William, born in McConnellsburg, Pa., died October 29, 1869, in Mechanicsburg, Pa .; Richard Louis, born in Harrisburg, and connected with his father's business; Gertrude Viola, born in Harrisburg, wife of George Elias Shaffer, re- siding in Harrisburg; Lily Esther, born in Harrisburg, bookkeeper in her father's music store; Norman Bruce, born in Harrisburg, now in the music business in New York ; Ellen Miriam, a student of elocution at Ein-
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erson's College, Boston, Mass .; Susan May, born in Harrisburg; Paul Edgar, born in Harrisburg; Francis Earl Harter, born in Harrisburg; Myra Simmons, born in Har- risburg, died in Harrisburg, August 17, 1886. Professor Kurzenknabe is at present a mem- ber of Salem Reformed church of Harrisburg. Hle was formerly a member of the Second church, which, as elder, he represented for many years at Classis and in the Synod. He belongs to Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69, I. O. O. F., Harrisburg Encampment, No. 30], the I. O. of H., and several other or- ganizations. He is often for weeks from home, attending conventions, gospel services and children's gatherings. He eats and sleeps well, is in perfect health, is five feet nine inches in height, turning the scale at two hundred pounds, and knowing nothing by experience of sickness. You will find him a hale-fellow-well-met. May his days of usefulness be many and his talent ever be active in the Master's cause, till the welcome summons, "Well done, thou good and faith- ful servant," calls him to the rest that awaits the people of God. This sketch is prepared by one of his loyal friends and ardent admirers.
" ORTH, HENRY C., music dealer and insur- ance agent, was born in Harrisburg, April 8, 1843.
On the right bank of the river Danube, about fifteen miles east of Vienna, is the village of Orth. In the year 1170, Hartneid Von Orth purchased the village and estate surrounding it, founded a church and erected a castle. The estate remained in the family until the close of the seventeenth century, when the proprietor sold the estate and moved to Moravia, one of the northern provinces of Austria. A portion of the Orth family removed to the Palatinate, along the river Rhine. In 1709 Karl Orth was born in the town of Ramholtz, in the Palatinate, died in 1789, was married, and had issue. Karl Orth, 2d, was born in 1770, in Ram- holtz, married in 1795, to Margaret Roth, and died in Ramholtz in 1854. JIe held the position of superintendent of forestry. George Orth, second son of Karl Orth and Margaret (Roth) Orth, was born December 5, 1808, in Ramholtz, Germany. He was a shoemaker by trade, and a musician of no mean ability. He is living a retired life in Harrisburg, where he settled on coming to America in 1842. Ilis wife, Elizabeth M.
(Rufer) Orth, was horn near Frankfort, Germany, and is still living, at the age of seventy-five years. They have had three children, of whom Henry C. and Louisa, wife of Charles A. Aughinbaugh, still sur- vive. Henry C. has spent his life in Har- risburg. He passed through the public schools, and subsequently obtained a thorough musical education and became a teacher of the pianoforte. He embarked in his present business in 1865, and has con- ducted it with great success. He was mar- ried at Grantville, Dauphin county, in April. 1875, to Miss Katherine G. Sherk, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Sherk, who were among the early settlers of Lebanon county. One child was born to them, namely, Florence. Mr. Orth is a school director, and chairman of the board of teachers. Ile is an active member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M., and has been treasurer of the lodge for the past fourteen years. In his political affiliation he is a staunch Repub- lican. He attends the Market Square Pres- byterian church.
-- BOAS, DANIEL D., deceased, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., February 19, 1819, a few weeksafter the death of his father, Jacob Boas, who had four sons older than Daniel D .: John P., William D., Jacob B. and Augustus F. Jacob Boas, the father of Daniel D., was the son of Rev. William Boas and was born at Reading, Pa., in 1786. He was brought up to mercantile pursuits and came to Harris- burg in 1805, where he established him- self in business. He was a member of the borough council and was commissioned by Governor Snyder February 6, 1809, pro- thonotary and clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions and died while in office, October 8, 1815. He married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Dick, of Reading, Pa. The widowed mother of Daniel D. removed with her sons to Reading, Pa., the residence of her rela- tives and friends, where the sons were all put to trades, it being the customi of that day to teach every boy a trade whether his family was wealthy or poor. Daniel D. patiently passed his apprenticeship but was very anxious to begin business for himself. HIe accepted a position for a short time in the Harrisburg postoffice, but soon relin- quished it to accept an interest offered him by O. P. Bellman in his extensive shoe trade. Finding the shoe business too slow for him he persuaded Mr. Bellman to abandon it and
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they formed a partnership in the lumber business. Mr. Boas found in this business ample scope for his ability and congenial occupation for life. He was a man of marked characteristics and would have been prominent in any branch of business. His career was successful and carried him from insignificant beginnings to the plane of prosperity and competency. His business methods were comprehensive and complete, beginning with a carefully laid plan and progressing by the most studions attention to all details in operation and conducting with the utmost attainment of the end sought. He was a popular man in his busi- ness associations because of his considera- tion of the rights and comfort and conveni- ence of others. So well was he versed in human nature that he was able to transact business without friction and seldom had to resort to legal process to get his due. His sympathy with all classes was genuine and broad, while his aid to the needy was un- stinted.
Mr. Boas was prominent in the Demo- eratic party and was sometimes honored with office, but his strong and universal preference was to be a worker in the ranks of his party, and never load. He served in the school board of Harrisburg for many years and was the president of that body. He was much interested in the organization and adoption of the free school system and was very active in securing that end. He counseled a liberal policy in providing school accommodations and many of . the best improvements are due to his wisdom and sagacity. Mr. Boas was the candidate of his party in 1865 for senator from his district and polled many votes above the strength of the party. In 1876 he was the Democratic presidential elector. He made no enemies either in politics or religion, but was broad and charitable, and honored the motives of all who differed from him in views. Hle died May 9, 1878, his life being suddenly terminated by an accident by which he was thrown from his carriage. The announcement of his death was mourn- ful news in the city, where all recognized the value of his public service and the worthiness of his character. Few men were so prominent in promoting the welfare of the community and few events have sad- . dened the hearts as his untimely taking off. Mr. Boas left a wife, two sons and three
daughters, the eldest daughter being Mrs. John Wister, of Duncannon.
His son, Henry D. Boas, was born in Har- risburg October 11, 1857. He received his primary education in the public schools and the Harrisburg Academy and subsequently attended St. Paul's School at Concord, N. IL. In 1871 he entered the office of his father and remained there until the death of the latter in 1878, when in connection with his brother, William S., they took charge of the business of which, sinee the death of his brother, he has had entire control. Mr. Boas was married October 26, 1876, to Miss Susan Espey, daughter of Joseph and Mary Espey. Two children have been born to them: Mary Espey and Sarah Wister. Mr. Boas is a worthy successor of his distin- guished father. The immense business in- terests which came early into his hands have been ably managed and the son has displayed much of the business ability shown in the successful career of his hon- ored parent. In social life also Mr. Boas is an important factor. He is a member of Robert Burns Lodge, No. 464, F. & A. M., and is a member of the Harrisburg Club. He and his family attend St. Stephen's Episcopal church.
SHEESLEY, WILLIAM, was born in Harris- burg, Pa., October 25, 1838. Ilis father, the late Daniel Sheesley, was born in Dau- phin county, in the Lykens Valley ; he died in 1869. His mother, Sarah (Ressinger) Sheesley, was born in Harrisburg, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty years. They had eleven children, eight of whom survive: William, Mary, wife of Peter Reel, Sarah, Daniel, Louisa, wife of Joseph ,E. Rhodes, Elizabeth, wife of George Zat- nall, Samuel and George.
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