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 81
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throughout the country.
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And last, but far more important than all else, Mr. Fish was of a deeply religious nature, and found his highest satisfaction in its cul- ture and gratification. His happiest mo- ments were spent in prayer and praise, by which his soul was lifted up to the dwelling place and throne of God. He was conscious of his own imperfections, of his frailties and failures, of his unworthiness and sin; but he had a sublime faith in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the power of divine grace, by which his soul was fortified in the time of affliction and in the hour of dissolu- tion. In the presence of the king of terrors no cloud of doubt or fear obscured his vision of the Saviour. In the triumphs of the cross he passed away, murmuring with al- most his last breath, "Jesus, lover of my soul."
-ADAMS, RICHARD .- The career of this well-known and recognized man of Harris- burg was not long in years, but in spirit and character it was such as to leave an abiding impress in the community. He was born in county Down, Ireland, Angust 15, 1850. His parents, James and Margerie Adams, were people of intelligence and of good social standing, and realized the importance of careful training and competent instruction in preparing their son for the duties of life. Both at home and in the best schools his intellectual faculties were developed and trained, and his mind wasstored with infor- mation which gave him a clear view of life, its opportunities and its responsibilities. He was active and inature, and was ready and anxious to enter the paths of business early in life. He first engaged in business at Bainbridge, Ireland, with Mr. James Dodds, and before he reached his majority continued with him for six years. He longed for the broader fields and larger opportunities which a newer country with its vast re- sources undeveloped affords the ambitious young man, and hence in 1869 he came to the United States and located at Harrisburg. His choice of locality was perhaps deter- mined by the fact that his elder brother, William J., was already established in busi- ness in this city. He very soon became as- sociated with his brother in business, and his entire business career was occupied with the firm thus formed. The brothers were partners for over twenty years, and were always in accord in their views and plans, and were eminently successful. Richard re-
tired from the firm only a few months pre- vious to his death with a comfortable com- petence for his family, or with ample capital for other business or investments, as inclina- tion and opportunity might invite.
Mr. Adams was interested and active in developing the general resources and enter- prises of the city. He was one of the orginal stockholders of the East Harrisburg Traction Company, and was identified with many other important industries of a public nature, among which were the People's Bridge Com- pany and Kelker Street Market Company, of which he was one of the promoters as well as stockholder. His life was suddenly ter- minated by the collision of trains on the Pennsylvania railroad. He had been to Philadelphia with his wife to place her under the care of an eminent physician, and had nearly reached the termination of his return journey when by an unexplained confusion of signals one section of an express train dashed into another, and Mr. Adams was instantly killed, June 24, 1892. Although his life was cut off when he was just enter- ing his prime, in his forty-second year, he had in this brief time accomplished the great ends of living. His family were left with property sufficient to meet all their needs, and he had attained that completeness and maturity of character and preparation of heart which made him ready for the future and spiritual existence into which death in- trodnced him. Mr. Adams was a sincere and devout Christian, with unassuming piety and unostentatious charity adorning his re- ligious profession.
His church membership was first with the Vine Street Methodist Episcopal church, but afterwards he became one of the leading spirits in the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and the material and spiritual pros- perity of this important religious enterprise were always near his heart.
Mr. Adams was married, September 23, 1875, to Miss Susan A., daughter of George and Susan (Ford) Welker, of Harrisburg, who survives him. They had five children : Susan Welker, born August 15, 1876, died December 27, 1881; James Laird, born April 21, 1878; Margerie Jane, born April 15, 1880; John Ford, born December 19, 1881 : and Charlotte, born July 30, 1891.
GOLDSMITH, JOSEPH, manufacturer of fur- niture and general upholsterer, was born in the province of Hesse Darmstadt, February
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3, 1835. He is a son of Meyer and Bella Goldsmith, who were natives of the same province, now both deceased. They had born to them a family of nine children, eight of whom came to America. Six still reside in this country, namely: Abraham, a prom- inent elothing merchant of Harrisburg; Sarah, wife of Ferdinand Jesselson, of New York City; Arsar, residing in Brooklyn, N. Y .; Caroline, wife of August Levison, residing in Nyaek, N. Y .; Joseph, and Mina, widow of the late Judah Knep, who now resides in her native home.
Joseph was educated in the publie schools of his native town. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to the upholsterer's trade, serving for four years. In August, 1871, he left his native home to try his fortune in America. After working four years at his trade in New York City he removed to Har- risburg, where he has made his home for the past twenty-five years, having been for fifteen years past engaged in business for himself. He was married in Harrisburg, June 15, 1881, to Miss Frieda Kuhn, daughter of Abraham Kubn, of Bavaria. They have three children : Isabella, Carrie, and Meyer Lee. Mr. Goldsmith is a member of Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69, I. O. O. F. In polities he is a Republican. He attends the Second Street Jewish synagogue. The busi- ness taet and enterprise of Mr. Goldsmith, coupled with his genial manners and per- sonal worth, have resulted in securing him a large patronage and wide popularity.
HOOVER, CHARLES F., furniture and ear- pet dealer, was born in Harrisburg, February 25, 1861. He is a son of William and Mary B. (Yingst) Hoover. William H. Hoover was born in York county. For many years he was an honored resident of Harrisburg. HIe served three years in the army, in the defense of his country, and was during that time in three branches of the service, infantry, artillery and cavalry. He took part in many of the famous battles. He received injuries in the service which eventuated in his death in 1865. He married Mary B. Yingst, born in Harrisburg, who is still living in this eity. Their family consisted of two children : Charles F. and a daughter, Anna Laura, who died in infancy.
Charles F. Hoover began his education in the city public schools. At the age of eleven he entered Whitehall Soldiers' Orphans' School, where his education was completed.
Ile worked for two years at house painting. Ile then removed to Adebolt, lowa, where he resided two years, engaged in painting under contracts. He next removed to Phil- adelphia, and was in the service of John Wanamaker & Co., in their carpet depart- ment, for about two years. Returning to Harrisburg, he was for the next ten years in the carpet business with F. W. Yingst. In 1891 he went into business for himself. He was married in Harrisburg, May 1, 1883, to Elizabeth B., daughter of George and Anna Dinger, of Harrisburg. They have had three children : William H., Charles R., died at the age of three years and ten months, and Robert Patterson. Mr. Hoover is a member of State Capital Lodge, No. 70, Olive Encampment, No. 56, and Susanna Rebecca Lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F .; Cineinnatus Com- mandery, No. 96, K. of M .; Hereulean Castle, No. 480, K. of G. E., and K. of H. In poli- ties he is independent. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.
HUGHES, WASHINGTON R., dealer in wall paper and window shades, was born in Har- risburg, July 12, 1861. He is a son of Al- bert and Rebecca (Reeder) Hughes. Albert Hughes was born in Philadelphia. He came to Harrisburg about 1858, and with the exception of two years spent in St. Louis, Mo., has been a resident here since that date. He was a builder, and erected some of the most prominent dwelling houses in the city. His wife died January 25, 1896. Washington R. Hughes received a part of his education in the Harrisburg schools. During the two years' residence of the family in St. Louis he attended the public schools of that eity. On his re- turn to Harrisburg he completed his edu- eation at Gause's Academy. He then learned printing, and subsequently paper hanging. He has been engaged in his present business since January, 1SS7. Ile is an active member of Perseverance Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M .; Perseverance Chapter. No. 21, R. A. M. ; Pilgrim Commandery, No. 11, K. T .; Harrisburg Sovereign Consistory. Harrisburg, and Lulu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Philadelphia. Mr. Hughes is a Demoerat, and attends the Presbyterian church.
GOUGH, HENRY W., managing partner of the firm of II. W. Gough & Co., dealers in furniture, was born in Monmouthshire,
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Wales, December 6, 1861, and is the only surviving issue of William .and Elizabeth (Thomas) Gough. In the early part of 1862 his father left his native land in a sailing vessel to seek a home for his family in the New World. After a tedious passage, he reached New York on the fourth day of July, 1862, and at once proceeded to Danville, Pa., where he concluded to take up his resi- dence. In the following year his wife and family, including Henry W., also left the shores of old England and set out to join the husband and father, who eagerly wel- comed them on their arrival in New York in August, 1863. He conducted them to the new home which he had prepared for them in Danville, Pa. They continued to reside in Danville until March, 1867, when they removed to Harrisburg, the father hav- ing preceded them there in 1866. He was spared to them but a short time after their arrival in Harrisburg; he died in 1867. The mother still survives at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, hale and hearty, and is an honored and revered resident of Kittanning, Armstrong county, Pa.
From 1867 until the present date, with the exception of two years spent in the western part of this State, Henry W. Gough has been a continuous resident of Harris- burg. He received the advantages of a pub- lic school education. After leaving school he entered the company store of the Lochiel iron mill, and from October, 1878, until Au- gust, 1882, he was continuously in this em- ployment; first, in the capacity of clerk, and for the last three years as bookkeeper.
On September 11, 1882, he entered the employ of D. W. Gross & Son, druggists, as bookkeeper in their establishment, and con- tinued in this position until August 16, 1893. For the following year he was not engaged in any special branch of business, but was employed as an expert accountant in audit- ing the accounts of insolvent estates. On August 6, 1894, he entered the employ of the Yingst Carpet Company, and took charge of the financial part of this business until March 1, 1895. On this date Mr. Gough, in con- nection with some other members of the company, purchased the business and was appointed managing partner.
Henry W. Gough was married in Phila- delphia, August 25, 1885, to Miss Jennie L. Cope, daughter of John and Mary Cope, res- idents of Harrisburg. They had three children, Mary Lewis, William Bailey, and
John Edwin. Mr. Gough is a member of Robert Burns Lodge, No. 464, F. & A. M., Dauphin Lodge, No. 160, and Dauphin En- campment, No. 10, J. O. O. F. He is an ac- tive politician in the ranks of the Republi- can party. He has creditably represented the First ward in common council for two terms, and is now a member of select coun- cil from that ward. He was twice nomi- nated for the office of city comptroller, but was defeated by W. K. Verbeke, the present incumbent. Mr. and Mrs. Gough are con- sistent members of the Market Square Pres- byterian church.
-POTTER, IRA C., senior member of the firm of Potier & Co., dealers in wall paper, was born in Liverpool township, Perry county, Pa., January 1, 1866, son of Levi and Sarah (Bear) Potter. The father was born in Buffalo township, Perry county, September 12, 1832, son of the late Jonas and Barbara (Stevens) Potter. He received only a limited education in the district schools. For fifteen years he was a driver on the canal, after which he engaged in farming. He was married, in Buffalo town- ship, Perry county, June 18, 1854, to Saralı Ann Bear, and there have been born to them twelve children, of whom ten are liy- ing: William Harrison, Alfred A., Charles C., Cordelia, wife of Peter Walk, Edwin S., Oscar R., Ira C., Alice, wife of Hellorious Bodner, Catherine R. and Irvin L. In his polities he is a Democrat, and attends the Lutheran church. Ira C. spent his carly life in his native township, and attended the public schools. He learned the trade of painter and paper hanger, which he fol- lowed for five years. After this he engaged in contracting, and since 1891 has been in the wall paper business. He was married, in Harrisburg, August 13, 1892, to Elea- nora Roberts, daughter of George Roberts, and to them has been born one child, Wal- ter Monroe. Mr. Potter is an active member of Complanter Tribe, No. 61, I. O. R. M., and of Harrisburg Council, No. 328, Jr. O. U. A. M. In politics Mr. Potter is with the Republican party. He attends the United Brethren church.
- WILLIAMS, FRANK E., upholsterer, was born at Harrisburg, March 2, 1867. He is a son of the late Evan and Amanda ( Walborn) Williams. His father was a well-known and honored resident of Harrisburg for many
Claude Mangime
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years. He died February 28, 1884. They had two sons: Frank E. and Charles, both living in Harrisburg. The Walborn family, to which the mother belonged, were among the very early settlers of Dauphin county. The grandfather Walborn died at Berrys- burg at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In his youth Frank E. received the advan- tages of a good education in the public schools of the city. After leaving school he went to New York City, where he spent three years in learning the upholstering business. In 1892 he returned to Harrisburg,' since which date he has been engaged in business in this city and has succeeded in building up a profitable and growing patronage. He was married in Harrisburg, November 3, 1889, to Emma Shearer, daughter of William and Mary Shearer, of Perry county, Pa. He is a member of Cincinnatus Commandery, No. 96, K. of M. He attends the Presbyterian church. Mr. Williams is a thorough expert at his business, which he conducts with eredit to his energy and skill and with the utmost satisfaction to his patrons.
- VOLLMER, HARRY A., senior partner in the firm of Vollmer & Simms, upholsterers, dec- orators and awning manufacturers, was born in Harrisburg December 10, 1870. He is a son of Charles Y. and Catherine (Haehnlen) Vollmer. Charles T. Vollmer was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 12, 1825. He came to this country with his parents when but a child, and has been a resi- dent of Harrisburg for over forty years, working here at his trade of upholstering. During the late Rebellion he was retained as administration upholsterer under Governor Curtin. He still resides in Harrisburg. Catherine, his wife, is a native of Harrisburg, of German parentage. They had nine chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy ; a son, Christian, died aged twenty-four. The sur- viving children are: Edward, Mary, Frank, Henry A., Emma, and Theodore.
Harry A. Vollmer was educated in the publie schools of his native city, and after- wards learned upholstering, in which busi- ness he has been engaged up to the present time. In 1890 he formed with his brother, Frank H., a partnership under the firm name of F. II. Volhner & Bro., which lasted four years. During 1894 Mr. Vollmer was en- gaged in the decorating business throughout this and adjoining States. January 1, 1896, bo re-commenced business in Harrisburg, and
on February 1, 1895, Mr. Simms became his partner. Both father and sons are staunch Democrats. They all attend Zion Lutheran church. Among the young business men of the city Mr. Vollmer holds a prominent. place and enjoys an enviable reputation for enterprise and integrity. Ilis business is large and extends to adjoining States.
- SIMMS, EDWARD, of the firm of Vollmer & Simms, upholsterers, decorators and manu- facturers, was born in the city of London, England, May 16, 1869. He is a son of Samuel and Rebecca Simms, both natives of Germany, still living, and residing in Lon- don, where Mr. Simms carries on the mer- chant tailoring business. They had a family of ten children, of whom eight are living: Joseph, the oldest, died in the dia- mond fields of South Africa, after a resi- dence there of fourteen years; Isidore, dicd in London, at the age of sixteen. The sur- viving children are : Edward, Ralph, Rose. Estella, Alfred, engaged in the merchant tailoring business, in Harrisburg, Catherine, Leah and Harry, all residing in London, except Edward and Alfred.
Edward Simms was educated in the Lon- don schools. There also he learned his trade of upholstering and decorating, and after learning it, carried on in the same city the business of upholstering and cabi- net making. In September, 1887, he came to America, locating for five months in New York. Since February, ISSS. he has been a resident of Harrisburg, and in busi- ness on his own account. lle was the first man to establish the decorating business in Harrisburg. He controls the patent right of the Eldrich Steam Feather Renovator, the only dry air process machine made. In 1894 he made a visit to his parents in his native land.
He is a member of Star of America Com- mandery, No. 113. K. of M. ; Warrior Eagle Tribe, No. 340, I. O. R. M .; Ilereulean Castle, No. 480, K. G. E .; Harmony Com- mandery, No. 39, Uniformed Rank, K. P. Mr. Simms is well known to the citizens of Harrisburg as an upright business man. By his skill and his careful attention to business he has justly earned the confidence of the public, which he enjoys.
BRANDT, LEVI, member of the Paxton Flour and Feed Company and superintend- ent of the business, was born near Church-
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town, Monroe township, Cumberland county, Pa., May 20, 1829. He was the son of Jolin and Elizabeth (Coover) Brandt, both natives of Cumberland county. His paternal grand- father was Adam Brandt, born 1751, died 1838, who married Eve Metzger, born 1752, died 1830. His mother, Elizabeth Coover, was granddaughter of George Coover (1740- 1820), who descended from a German family named Kobar(afterwards changed to Coover), of Coburg, Germany.
Levi Brandt attended country school until he was fifteen years of age. From 1844 to 1849 he worked on his father's farm. From 1849 to 1861 he was in the live stock busi- ness in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. From 1862 to 1865 he was in the grain business in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in the firm of Brandt & Co., the members of the firm being David Brandt, James Brandt and Levi Brandt. In 1866 he was in the grain business in Me- chanicsburg at the Hummel warehouse. From 1867 to 1872 he sold flour and grain for Thomas B. Bryson in the coal regions and in New York City. On April 1, 1872, he came to Harrisburg and assumed the man- agement of the warehouse at State and Canal streets for John Hoffer & Co. On April 1, 1874, he became a member of this firm. On January 1, 1890, this firm was succeeded by the Paxton Flour and Feed Company, Levi Brandt being the superintendent. The firm consists of the MeCormick Estate and Levi Brandt. It operates the warehouse at Har- risburg, the grain elevator at Bridgeport, Cumberland county, Pa., and the Lochiel flour mill, Harrisburg.
Mr. Brandt was married, November 8, 1866, to Elmira A., daughter of Daniel and Christina (Memper) Bailey. Her grandfather was John Bailey (1769-1832) and her great- grandfather was Daniel Bailey, a native of county Monaghan, province of Ulster, Irc- land, who came to America and settled in York county, Pa. To Levi and Elmira Brandt were born five children : Daniel Bailey, John Austin, Christine B., Elizabeth G. and Nellie R. Mr. Brandt has never been a politician, in the sense of office-seeking. In political views he is a Republican. The family attend the Pine Street Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Brandt is a consistent member.
Mr. Brandt belonged to a family of eight children, of whom, besides himself, only one remains, namely, Susan, widow of the late George W. Brandt, of Cumberland county,
Pa., who now resides at Boiling Springs. Successful is the word which describes Mr. Brandt's business carcer.
SPAHR, JOHN HJ., senior member of the firm of J. H. Spahr & Bro., Harrisburg, Pa., was born in the southern part of York county, Pa., January 25, 1852. Ile is a son of John and Mary (Hoff) Spahr, both na- tives of York county, the former still sur- viving and residing at Mount Wolf, York county ; the latter died at Mount Wolf. The father has spent his whole life in his native county, engaged all the time in agri- cultural pursuits. He served his country nobly during the late Rebellion, being for nine month's a private in company A, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania vol- unteers. He was three times married. To the first marriage twelve children were born, of whom nine are living, namely : Henry. Lucy, wife of Peter Stair, Reuben, John H., Samuel, Mary, wife of John Herman, Will- iam A., a partner in the firm of J. HI. Spalır & Bro., Louis II., Alice, wife of Charles Simons. To the second marriage there were born two children, George and Charles, both living. Of the third marriage there was no issne.
John II. Spahr, when but six months old, was taken by his parents to Manchester township, York county ; when he was about cleven years old they again removed to West Manchester township. Two years later he returned by himself to Manchester township and resided there for about six years. His primary education was received in the above named townships. During the last six years of his residence in Manchester township he completed his education in the Millersville Normal School. After leaving this school he spent a short time in Dauphin county near Harrisburg, after which he went to Milton, Northumberland county, and re- sided there two years. At the expiration of this time he returned to the home of his parents at Mount Wolf, York county, and attended the business college of Prof. Leeds for six months. In 1877 he removed to Harrisburg, and since that date has been a continuous resident of this city. During eight years of this time he has been engaged in his present business.
John H. Spahr was married at York, in December, 1878, to Emma J. Gross, daugh- ter of Samuel and Susan (Wolfe) Gross. To them, have been born five children, one of
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whom died in infancy; their living children are Walter S., Harry M., Susie, and Grace.
Ile is a member of Dauphin Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F .; Phoenix Lodge, No. 59, K. of P .; also of Goldsmith's Division, Uniformed Rank, K. of P. In political views Mr. Spahr is Democratic. He is a consistent member of the Fifth Street Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Spahr belongs to the Lutheran church, but with her family attends the adopted church of her husband.
SPAHR, WILLIAM A., of the firm of J' H. Spahr & Bro., flour and feed merchants, is a son of John and Mary (Hoff) Spahr. He was born near Mount. Wolf, York county, January 2, 1862. His boyhood days were spent at Mount Wolf, and his education was received in the public schools of his native county. Later he attended the Business Col- lege of Toledo, Ohio. When eighteen years of age he became apprenticed to the flour milling business with his brother Henry, at Glen Rock, York county. He spent ten years at this business, and has for several years past been engaged in the flour and feed busi- ness in connection with his brother, John H., in Harrisburg.
He was married at Trenton, N. J., to Mar- garet E. Clinton, daughter of Emanuel and Susan Clinton, of Harrisburg. One son was born to them, who died in infancy. He is not connected with any secret societies at the date of this writing. He is Democratic in his political views. He and his wife attend the Lutheran church.
The members of the firm of J. H. Spahr & Bro. are both honorable business men, and are highly respected in business and social circles for their personal worth.
-BECK, DAVID M., proprictor of flour and feed warchouse and elevator, Harrisburg, Pa., was born in Progress, Dauphin county, October 26, 1860. He is a son of David and Susan (Whitmoyer) Beck, both natives of Dauphin county. His father was born in Lower Paxton township, January 28, 1828, and is a son of John Beck; he was reared a farmer boy, with only the limited advantages of education afforded by the country school. A large portion of his life has been spent in agricultural pursuits. During the past fif- teen years he has not been in active business. He was married, in Lower Paxton township, to Susan Whitmoyer, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Laniken) Whitmoyer, also
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