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 88
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risburg, a slate roofer; Mary Emma, Mrs. George W. Clinton, Union, British Colum- bia; Albert, of Harrisburg, slate roofer; Harry IL., clerk with W. H. Spooner. The family attend Grace Methodist Episcopal church.
-HOLLINGER, EM, was born in Reading township, Adams county, Pa., June 20, 1834. He is a son of the late George and Elizabeth (Asper) Hollinger. His great-grandparents on his father's side were natives of Switzer- land ; on his mother's side they were Eng- lish. His grandparents were both natives of Lancaster county, and members of the Lutheran church. His grandfather was a Democrat in politics. At this grandfather's death there were sixty-two living grandehil- dren, nearly all of whom were at his funeral. George Hollinger, father of Eli Hollinger, was born in Adams county in 1799, and was a farmer nearly all his life. He was mar- ried, in 1826, to Elizabeth Asper, of Adams county, born in 1803. They had fifteen children, five of whom are living: George, Eli, Rebecca, Kate, wife of Jacob T. Smith, and Lydia, wife of John Miller. Their de- ceased children were : Michael, Leah, Jonas, Christian, Anna, Caroline, Jacob, killed in the war, and three who died in infancy. The father died aged seventy-three and the mother aged seventy-six years. Both were members of the Lutheran church. The father was first a Whig and afterwards be- came a Republican.
Eli Hollinger received only a limited edu- cation in the public schools, but made up much of the deficiency by attendance upon night schools. He was a self-made man. His youth was spent on the farm. At nine- teen years of age he learned blacksmithing and followed this occupation for twenty-eight years. During one of these years he traveled with the stone masons. He worked at ins trade at Abbotstown. In 1851 he was coach- smithing with Squire Palmer. In 1852 he came to Harrisburg and worked at his trade in the car shops until they were closed. In 1854 he traveled through some of the west- ern States and worked at his trade for some time in Chicago. During the next five years he worked at Alto na, Pa. On account of failing health he spent the next eighteen months at his old home in Adams county. In 1859 he was employed in Harrisburg by the Car Manufacturing Company for about
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six months. In the same year he began business for himself, manufacturing imple- ments and farming machinery.
He was married, August 7, 1860, to Miss Melinda, daughter of John and Hattie (Hoffer) Livingston, a native of Adams county. They had three children : Eleanor, wife of Arthur Leseure ; George B., married to Mrs. Miller, widow of Rev. Miller, residing in Baltimore, Md .; and Calvin Clinton, died July 9, 1862. Since 1860 Mr. Hollinger has been princi- pally engaged in the sale of agricultural im- plements, roof painting, and teaching music. He also taught in a public school for one term. In 1853 he joined Altoona Lodge, No. 473, I. O. O. F. He was one of the charter members of Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69, when it was organized seven years ago, and he has long since passed the chair in this lodge. During his connection with this lodge he has been an indefatigable worker. Past Grand Hollinger has had the pleasure of witnessing the initiation of sixty-seven members pro- posed by him. Seven of his nephews arc Odd Fellows, George A., the present Past Grand, No. 69, being one of them. Mr. Hol- linger is also an active member of Susannah Rebecca Lodge. He was a charter member and has always kept up his membership of Harrisburg Encampment, No. 301. He has for years been a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and has been an active representative of his council. In . years past he was district deputy and during his term of office organized twenty-one flour- ishing councils within fourteen months. Dur- ing his official term he also instituted Eureka Council, Jr. O. U. A M., of this city. He is at present past sagamore of Octorara Tribe, No. 91, I. O. R. M.
In 1852 Mr. Hollinger cast his first vote for President of the United States. He voted for the Free Soil candidate, John P. Hale, of New Hampshire. Mr. Hale had only six votes in llarrisburg, of which Mr. Hol- linger's was one ; here is where he lost his first vote. He joined the Republican party and acted with it until 1873, when he be- came a Greenback-Republican.
He is a faithful member of the Second Reformed church ; his departed wife also was a member of that church. Mrs. Hol- linger died September 2, 1865. Her parents were natives of York county, occupied in farming. They had seven children : Alex- ander; Matilda, wife of Christian Kauffman, deceased; Eleanor, wife of George Hollinger;
Malinda, Mrs. Eli Hollinger; Leah, wife of Henry Brenneman, and Granville. Mr. and Mrs. Livingston were members of the Lu- theran church.
-BAY, J. G. Mc., a prominent and well- known business man, treasurer of the Bay Shoe Company, was born in Harford county, Md., October 27, 1831, and is a son of Thomas and Cenith Ann (McClure) Bay, who were natives of Maryland, both now deceased.
llis education was acquired in the pay schools of his native county, and after leav- ing school he became an apprentice to the blacksmith trade. In 1852 he came to Har- risburg, where he learned the trade of iron moulding, and followed that business until 1863. In that year he and his brother, William F., engaged in the foundry and machine business under the firm name of William F. Bay & Bro., and this business was continued for five years.
In 1868, in connection with his brother, William F., II. M. Kelley and James Mona- ghan, he engaged in the manufacture of shoes under the firm name of the Monaghan- Bay Shoc Company, the firm name being subsequently changed to the Bay Shoe Com- pany.
Mr. Bay represented the Ninth ward in council two terms and is a Democrat in po- litical views.
The parents of our subject had born to them a family of nine children, five of whom survive : William F., Sarah Jane, J. G. Mc., Mary M. and Thomas A.
The shoe trade is one of the most import- ant industries in Harrisburg, and is well represented by the company of which Mr. Bay is the treasurer. Their factory is fitted up in modern style, well lighted and alto- gether attractive and conspicuous. The firm are quick to take advantage of all new styles and place them on the market as early as any manufactures in the State. The ment- bers of the firm are all enterprising business men, well and favorably known and very popular in the comnmnity.
RICHARDSON, JOHN T., manager of the Anthracite Wagon Company, one of the leading industries of Harrisburg, is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Bryan) Richardson, na- tives of the State of Maryland, where they spent their entire lives. John was born at
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Elkton, Md., May 2, 1832. He was educated in the private schools of his native town. Having completed his education, he learned the trade of blacksmith, and followed this ocenpation until 1876. This year he came to Harrisburg, and entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Steel Company, taking charge of the frog, switch and signal de- partment, and efficiently filled this position for eight years.
In 1884 Mr. Richardson removed to Car- lisle, Pa., where he remained five years, in the employ of the Carlisle Manufacturing Company. At the end of this period he re- moved to Baltimore, Md., where he was en- gaged in business for two years. In 1893 he returned to Harrisburg, and accepted the position he now holds-manager of the Anthracite Wagon Company.
He was married, at Wilmington, Del., April 23, 1857, to Eliza MeClure, daughter of James and Prudence McClure. Four children were born to them, two of whom are now living : Sarah J. and Mary E. Mr. Richardson served as member of the council at Wilmington, Del., for two years. In po- litical views he is a Republican. His family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
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BARNES, JEREMIAH S., superintendent of the Harrisburg cemetery was born in York county, Pa., October 26, 1832, son of Josiah and Sarah (Sweitzer) Barnes, natives of York county. William Barnes, the grandfather, was also a native of York county and a car- pet weaver by trade. The maternal grand- father, Sweitzer, was a pensioner of the war of 1812. The father was a shoemaker. Both parents died in York county. Jeremiah S. is the eldest of eight children. He re- ceived only a limited education in the schools of that period, and for several years worked around among the farmers. He learned the carpenter's trade and afterwards went to Ohio and worked for two years. He returned to York county and in 1854 came to Harrisburg and worked as a journeyman at his trade until 1863, when he was elected by the board of managers, superintendent of the Harrisburg cemetery, which position he has filled for thirty-three years with the utmost satisfaction. Ilis suggestions, ap- proved and adopted by the board, have re- sulted in the vast improvement of the ceme- tery, and he has put up many of the finest monuments in the grounds. Ile served in the State militia under Col. Henry McCor-
mick, going to Ilagerstown, Chambersburg, and on other expeditions. Mr. Barnes is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the Blue lodge, chapter, commandery and council. In political views he is a Republican, and is active in party measures. He has served as a member of the school board nine years. Ile was married, in 1858, to Miss Sarah Martha Williamson, daughter of Robert Williamson, native of England and resident of Harrisburg. They have six children, four of whom are living: Robert E., printer, lives at home; Carrie, deceased; Charles W., at home, a musician ; Mary Elfleda, wife of E. H. Gotschall, of Harrisburg ; Laura May, deceased, and Harry Marcus, at home, with Montgomery & Co. Mr. Barnes is a mem- ber of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, and holds the office of steward in the same. -
CHANDLER, WILLIAM G., agent and snper- intendent of the United Gas Improvement Co., Harrisburg works. was born at Harris- burg, Pa., November 19, 1832. His father, Jonathan Chandler, was born at Brandy- wine Hundred, Newcastle county, Del., in the old homestead which has been occupied by the Chandler family for over two hundred years. His mother, Mary (Griffith) Chand- ler, was born at Gap, Chester county, Pa. They settled in Harrisburg at a very early date. His father was a blacksmith, and an agent for the Good Intent Packet Line; but in his later years he was engaged in the livery business. He was widely and favor- ably known, and was a highly respected cit- izen. He was twice married. Of the first marriage there were six children, of whom the only one surviving is William G. To the second marriage there were born four children, of whom Elizabeth, wife of David Wenrich, George, and Julia, wife of Charles Markell, still survive and reside in Ilarris- burg.
In his youth William G. Chandler had the advantages of the public schools only. Hle worked at blacksmithing in his brother's shop for a time, but subsequently learned the trade of iron moulder. In 1852 he re- moved to Altoona, Pa., where he completed his term of apprenticeship at this business, and afterwards worked at his trade in the shops of the Pennsylvania railroad in that town for about two years. In 1856 he be- came a locomotive fireman, and followed this vocation for five years. From January,
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DAUPHIN COUNTY.
1861, to January, 1862, he held the position of locomotive engineer on the Northern Central railroad between Marysville and Baltimore, Md. In January, 1862, he re- turned to the Pennsylvania railroad, and was employed as an engineer for five years. In 1867 he engaged in the wholesale and retail produee business in which he eon- tinued until 1872, when he entered the em- ploy of the Harrisburg Gas Company ; sinee September 1, 1864, he has held the position of superintendent of its works. This' eon- tinuous service of one company for twenty- three years, twelve of which were devoted to the management of its business, shows his business capacity and integrity, and the esteem in which he is held by those who know him best. He was appointed agent of the company May 1, 1896.
Mr. Chandler was married at Harrisburg to Miss Henrietta Farver, of Bedford county. Three children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy. Mr. Chandler is a member of Mountain Lodge, No. 281, F. & A. M., of Altoona. In politieal prefer- enee he is a stauneh Demoerat. He attends the Presbyterian ehureh.
- FORNEY, HENRY J., treasurer of the Har- risburg Furnaec and Boiler Company, was born in West Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa., August 10, 1833. He is a son of the late" Henry and Sarah (Cassel) For- ney. Both the Forney and Cassel families were very early settlers of Dauphin county, where they were honored tillers of the soil, spending their whole lives in the county, and all living to an advanced age. Mr. H. J. Forney's parents had a family of nine children, four of whom are living: Michael,; residing in Ida county, Jowa; Henry J. Susan, wife of Peter H. Miller, residing in Mifflin county, Pa., where he conduets an extensive farm and nursery ; Sarah, wife of Henry Booser, residing in Harrisburg. Henry J. Forney spent his boyhood in study and in work on the farm. His education was received in the common and seleet schools of Linglestown. This course eom- pleted, he learned shoemaking. He snbse- quently taught school for six terms in Dau- phin and Lebanon counties, after which he resumed work at his trade, and also opened a retail shoe store at Linglestown, Lower Paxton township. In 1861 he removed to Harrisburg, and purchased the business of
Daniel Leedy, which he conducted for sey- cral years. Afterwards, in connection with his brother, James C., he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and later earried on a general jobbing business in this line. In 1892 Mr. Forney sold his interest in the wholesale jobbing trade to his nephews, C. C. and C. Harvey Forney, who still eonduet the business, and who are re- ferred to on another page of this volume. Mr. Forney is also a stockholder in the Harrisburg Boot and Shoe Company; a di- rector, and the treasurer, of the Harrisburg Boiler Company, and an extensive dealer in real estate. He is one of the prominent and progressive business men of the city, and is honored and esteemed in all circles. Mr. Forney is a past officer in Lamberton Lodge, I. O. O. F .; of the Order United American Mechanies, Post No. 35, and of the Mystic Chain of St. John Castle. He is not active in any at present.
He was married, in Harrisburg, June 20, 1861, to Lydia, daughter of David and Bar- bara Walmer, of Linglestown. Their union has been blessed with five children : Charles M., of the firm of Forney & Knousc, a prominent drug firm, referred to in another part of this volume; Margaret C., wife of M. L. Ludwig, residing at Penbrook, Sus- quehanna township; Sarah E., wife of D. M. Beek, residing in Harrisburg; Rebecca I .; and Henry, the youngest member of the family, who was killed by falling from a tree, at Linglestown. Mr. Forney repre- sented the Ninth ward in the common coun- eil for many years. Ile was also one of the first members of the seleet eouneil. He is not at present a member of any secret so- cicty, although he has held many important offices in several orders. In political views he is a good, conseientious Republican. Himself and family are members of the Church of God. He became connected with the church in Harrisburg in 1861, and served as deacon and elder for many years. In 1877 he moved to Penbrook, and took his eertifieate of membership from the Fourth Street Church of God, and joined the ehureh at Progress, where he held the offiec of elder. He is president of the Dau- phin cireuit, composed of elders and deacons of four churches, and also president of the Progress church council. For several years he was a delegate from the East Pennsyl- vania Eldership to the General Eldership of the Church of God.
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BIOGRAPHIICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA
- SIEBER, CHARLES F., proprietor of the Har- risburg Soap Factory, was born in Wurtem- berg, Germany, December 10, 1834. Hle is a son of Christian and Barbara Sieber, who spent their lives and died in Germany. Ile . received his education and learned the soap and candle making trade in Germany. In 1854 he came to this country and located at Lancaster, Pa., where he entered the em- ployment of his step-brother, Herman Mul- ler. He remained with him till 1860, when he returned to his native land on a visit to his friends and relatives. In 1862 he located in Harrisburg, and has since been continu- ously engaged in business in this city.
He was married at Lancaster, Pa., Octo- ber 1, 1861, to Mary Elizabeth Bissinger, a native of Germany. To them have been born ten children, seven of whom are living, namely: Mary. Elizabeth, Louisa, wife of Hummel K. Maeyer, residing in Harrisburg; Emily, wife of W. D. Harris, residing in Har- risburg; Bertha, Frederick C., and Lillie.
Mr. Sieber is a member of Peace and Plenty Lodge, No. 69, I. O. O. F .; Harrisburg Encampment, No. 301, I. O. O. F .; and Corn- planter Tribe, No. 61, I. O. R. M. In politi- cal views he is a Democrat. The family at- tend the Lutheran church. As man, mer- chant and citizen, Mr. Sieber ranks with the first.
- MCLAUGHLIN, JAMES T. W., pattern and model maker, was born in Little Britain township, Lancaster county, Pa., June 1, 1839. He is a son of Park S. and Sarah (Gorsuch) MeLaughlin, natives of Lancaster county, where they have passed their whole lives. Park S. Mclaughlin was a mill- wright, but has now retired from active business. Both parents are dead, the father aged eighty-five, the mother eighty-two years. They had eight children : James T. W .; William G., killed by a fall in Philadel- phia in 18SS; Mary, wife of Dr. J. P. Miller, Oxford, Chester county, Pa .; Theodore, Little Britain, Pa .; Hannah, wife of George Day, Little Britain ; J. Fletcher, Little Britain ; Frank and Laura, who died in infancy.
James T. W. Mclaughlin was educated in the public schools and at Chestnut Level Academy. He learned the millwright trade with his father, and followed it for about ten years. He removed to Baltimore, Md., in 1864, and was a bookkeeper there until 1873; he then came to Harrisburg, where he has since been a continuous resident.
Ilis first engagement here was with the Har- risburg Car Company and the Foundry and Machine Works; later he was with the Jack- son Manufacturing Company. Since 1SS4 he has been in business for himself. He was married in Delta, York county, P'a., Sep- tember, 1869, to Adeline, daughter of Archi- bald A. and Nancy Hawkins, of Delta, Pa. They have no children. Mr. MeLaughlin was school director for six years. He is sec- retary of the Commonwealth Building and Loan Association, deputy supreme archon, Improved Order of Heptasophs ; secretary of Harrisburg Conclave, No. 42, I. O. IL., for the past eighteen years. He is a member of Veteran Castle, K. of G. E., No. 495, and has been master of records in this body since its organization. His political views are Demo- cratic. He and his wife are members of Ridge Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.
-ADAMS, THOMAS, superintendent of the Harrisburg Heat and Power Company, was born in London, England, January 6, 1840. He is a son of John and Margaret (Griffin) Adams. His education was well begun in his native land. In 1856 he left England and came to America, locating in New York where he completed his education. He learned the trade of marine engineer and followed this occupation for ten years. At the expiration of this period he removed to Lockport, N. Y., where he was connected with the Holly Manufacturing Company until 1877, at which date he resigned his position with this company and accepted a similar position with the Holly Steam Ileat- ing Company, which position he filled for twelve years. In 1889 he removed to Har- risburg and assumed the position he now so efficiently fills. He was married at Lock- port, N. Y., to Edle Smith, daughter of Charles and Olivia Smith. Five children have been born to them : William Thomas, residing at Auburn, N. Y .; Charles J., Edna L., Cora A. and Mattie D. He is a member of Auburn Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M .; of David Chapter, R. A. M .; of Royal Arcanum, No. 407, of Auburn, N. Y. In political views he is a staunch Republican. He at- tends the Episcopal church.
- ARMPRIESTER, GEORGE W., superintendent of the Central Rolling Mills, Harrisburg, was born in Union township, Berks county, Feb- ruary 22, 1840. Samuel Armpriester, his father, was of German ancestry, and Anna
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(Flaver) Armpriester, his mother, of French ancestry. They had eight children born to them, four of whom are living: Melinda, widow of the late Daniel T. Knabb, residing at Birdsborough, Montgomery county, Pa .; Amelia E., wife of Alfred Fable, residing in Philadelphia; Lynes C., residing at Potts- town, Pa., and George W. The last named was reared a farmer boy and got his school- ing in the old log school house. He con- tinued at farm work till 1860, when the learned the trade of puddler and was also a part of the time in the employment of the Government, engaged in the transportation of grain and hay to Alexandria and other points. In 1872 he removed to Bethel, Pa., where he again engaged in the occupation of puddling until 1865, when he removed to Pottstown and took charge of the puddling mills of the Pottstown Iron Company and efficiently filled the position till 1873. He then took a similar position with the Glas- gow Iron Company and remained in it until 1879, at which date he engaged in the grocery business at Pottstown, in which he continued for nine months. He then sold out and removed to Harrisburg and has been a continuous resident here since, faithfully and efficiently performing the duties of su- perintendent of the old Central rolling mills. He was married at Douglassville, Berks county, Pa., to Amelia M. DeHart, daughter of John and Catherine DeHart. Of a family of seven children born to them five are liv- ing and are : Mary Q., widow of George W. Sourbeer, George Warren, Annie A., wife of H. L. Stohl, Barton A. and S. Kaymond, all residents of Harrisburg.
Mr. Armpriester has served as a member of the school board of Pottstown and has represented the Fifth ward of Harrisburg in the common council for two terms. He 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 .; Monocacy Lodge, No. 441, I. O. O. F .; Star Encampment, No. 139; Naz- areth Commandery, No. 125, A. and I. O. K. of M. In polities he is a Republican. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
LITCH, JOHN B., treasurer of the Smith Noodle Company, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., August 22, 1842, and is the only child of Jacob and Susanna (Brunner) Liteh. Both parents are natives of Lancaster county,
the father of German and the mother of English ancestry, though the grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania. They resided in Lancaster county until 1861, then removed to Cumberland county, and for the past twenty-eight years have lived in Lebanon city, Pa. John B. was reared in his native county and received his education in the subscription schools of that time. In 1861 he removed with his parents to Cumberland county, and was engaged in farming until 1864, when he enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth regiment, Pennsyl- vania volunteers, known as " The Bucktails," in which he served until he received a gun- shot wound, February 4, 1865, and was re- moved to Jarvis Hill Hospital at Baltimore. where he was confined until the war closed. He was discharged when sufficiently recov- ered to travel, and returned to Cumberland county, where he subsequently removed to Franklin county and engaged in merehan- dising for one year four miles north of Ship- pensburg. He then sold his business and was for the next year engaged in the same line at Lebanon, Pa., after which, in 1870, he re- moved to Harrisburg, and on June 29, 1871, settled at Steelton, since which date he has been a continuous resident of the place, and for sixteen and a half years of this time he has been one of the most prominent and prosperous business men of the place. In September, 1895, he engaged in his present business. Mr. Litch has also for twelve years been a partner of Mr. C. G. Smith in the leaf tobacco business. He was married in Mifflin township, Cumberland county, to Miss Elizabeth E. Rynard, daughter of S. A. and Susanna Rynard, of Mifflin township, both deceased. They have nine children, five of whom are living: Mary S., wife of J. H. Bondman ; John E., Milton B., Ellen C., and Alwieda. Their deceased children are: George M., died at the age of twenty-six years, Harry F., died at the age of thirteen years, Willis, and William C. In his polit- ical views Mr. Litch is a Democrat. He held the office of burgess of Steelton for two years, and was also the organizer of the Steelton Fire Company. He attends the Lutheran church.
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