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. 2 > Part 10
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- PALMER, LAFAYETTE, was born in Golds- boro, York county, Pa., December 13, 1857. Ile is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wire) Palmer, both deceased. Both were natives of York county, and of German ancestry.
They had ten children, of whom seven are living: Susan, wife of John Herr; George, William, John, Jeannette, Michal Lucinda, and Lafayette.
Lafayette Palmer spent his early life in his native town. He attended the public school during the winter months and worked in his father's cooper shop in the summer. At the age of sixteen he entered the blast furnaces at Newport, Pa., and filled the position of stationary engineer for two years. During the next two years he was employed as engi- neer at the Pennsylvania Steel Works, Steel- ton, Pa. He then went to Pittsburgh, Pa., and assisted in building the Braddock Blast, Furnaces ; for two years he was employed in these works as engineer. From Pittsburgh he went to Albany and was employed as engineer in the blast furnaces at that place for eighteen months. During the four years following he was again employed at the Steel Works, Steelton, at frog and switch making. He was employed at the same work at Car- lisle, Pa., for the next three years, after which he again returned to Steelton and worked for one year at frog and switch making for the Pennsylvania Steel Works. In 1888 be aban- doned the shop and went into the grocery business in Harrisburg, and has successfully conducted the business since that date.
He was married in Harrisburg, October 25, 1883, to Florence, daughter of Jacob and Mary Galager, of Harrisburg. Of their four children, two died in infancy ; the survivors are Amelia B. and Ruth.
Mr. Palmer is the inventor of several pat- ented articles, among which is a funnel and measure combined ; another is a boiler tube cleaner; and another, a frog for railroad tracks.
He is a member of State Capital Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F .; of Egyptian Commandery, No. 114, K. of M., and of Harrisburg Coun. cil, Jr. O. U. A. M. His political views are Republican. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Palmer stands high in the estimation of the general public. By energy and perseverance he has built up a large and steadily increasing busi- ness.
HUTTON, GEORGE J., grocer, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., June 17, 1858. He is a son of Franklin A. and Mary E. (Utz) Hutton. ITis father was a regular graduated physician and practiced in Harrisburg. He went to Brazil in 1868, at the request of the Brazilian
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government, to treat yellow fever patients. He died in that country in 1872. George J. Hutton was educated in the public schools. He found employment in an iron mill. In 1878 he enlisted in the regular army of the United States and served for five years. He was stationed in Washington and Idaho Ter- ritories. He was discharged from the army with the rank of quartermaster sergeant. During his term he served four years and five months as a non-commissioned officer. In 1883 he returned to Harrisburg and en- gaged in the grocery business, in which he has since continued. He is Republican in politics. In 1892 he was elected to the board of water commissioners and was re-elected in 1895. He is a member of the Knights of Malta and of the Royal Arcanum, He was married, in Middletown, December 9, 1883, to Miss Ella S. Nagle, daughter of Emanuel Nagle, of Middletown, Pa. He has two children, George W. and James Nagle. His wife is a member of the Lutheran church.
-FORTNEY, SYLVESTER T., was born in Mid- dietown, Dauphin county, Pa., June 23, 1858. He is a son of the late Theodore Sylvester and Margaret P. (Walborn) Fort- ney. His parents were honored residents of Middletown until 1866. They then removed to Harrisburg, where the father died in 1875. Since 1893 the mother has resided in Youngs- town, Ohio. Their children are: Rufus C., residing in Youngstown; Sylvester T., John W., and Ethel E., residing in Youngstown.
Sylvester T. Fortney was eight years old when his parents came to Harrisburg, and this city has ever since been his residence. He was educated in the city schools and afterwards became a clerk in the grocery business. Subsequently he was in a gentle- man's furnishing store, and later still re- turned to the grocery business. In 1883 he embarked in that business in connection with William A. Morehead, under the firm name of Fortney & Morehead. This part- nership was dissolved August 11, 1887, since which time Mr. Fortney has conducted the business entirely m his own interest.
He was married, in Harrisburg, September 14, 1893, to Lizzie I., daughter of Frank and Lavinia Putt, of Harrisburg. They have no children. He is an active member of Hope Fire Company, No. 2, and also of the Fire- men's Beneficial Association. His political views are decidedly Democratic. He and his wife attend the Pine Street Presbyterian
church. Mr. Fortney is a man of integrity and high moral character, as is evidenced by his high standing in business and social circles.
-VAN CAMP, WILLIAM L., grocer, was born in Newport, Perry county, Pa., August 28, 1858; son of the late James and Rebecca (Potter) Van Camp. The parents were both natives of Perry county, the father having been born on the old Van Camp farm, on the banks of the Juniata river; the mother near Montgomery's Ferry. The father was a harness maker and was engaged in that occupation until his death, April 29, 1881. The mother is still living and resides in Harrisburg. Of their three children, Will- iam L. is the only one living, two having died in infancy. William L. attended the schools in his native county until he was twelve years old, when he came with his parents to Harrisburg, where he completed his educa- tion in the city high school and in the Har- risburg Business College. He worked in the store with his father until he was twenty- one years old. The three following years he was employed by the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company, and on March 15, 1883, en- gaged in the grocery business for himself. He was married in Harrisburg, September 26, 1889, to Miss Sarah Alice, daughter of Jeremiah H. and Elizabeth (Woodcock) Crownshield, born in Harrisburg, October 6, 1865. They have no children. Mr. Van Camp is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 59, K. of P .; Egpytian Commandery, No. 114, K. of M., and of Capital City Council, No. 327, Jr. O. U. A. M. In his political views Mr. Van Camp is a Republican. He and his wife attend the Messiah Lutheran church, of which Mrs. Van Camp is a men- ber.
-FOERSTER, GEORGE, grocer, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., September 16, 1858; son of George and Catherine (Klem) Foerster. The father was born in Bavaria, near Bogrenth, and the mother in Wurtemberg, Germany. The parents came to America and settled in Harrisburg. The father found his first em- ployment in this country with the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company, and subsequently worked in the present McCormick stone quarries. In 1860 he engaged in the gro- cery business on Race street, in which he continued until 1878, and has since then been retired from active business. During
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the war he served a short time with the State militia. In politics Mr. Foerster is a Democrat. His children are: Elizabeth, Mrs. F. W. Coover, of Harrisburg, and George. He is a member of St. Michael's German Lutheran church, in which he has been a trustee for many years.
George received his education in the pub- lic schools and in Seiler's Academy. He subsequently took a course in the State Nor- mal School at Millersville, from which he was graduated in 1878. He then taught school one term at Dorrence, Luzerne county, and two terms at Tabor, Pa. In 1881 he succeeded to his father's business, and in 1888 moved to his present location, No. 540 Race street. Mr. Foerster is a stock- holder in the Harrisburg Traction Company, and in the Harrisburg Trust Company, and is the president, and one of the organizers of the William Penn Building and Loan Asso- ciation. He is a member of Perseverance Lodge, F. & A. M. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Foerster was married in 1884, to Miss Annie P. Fairlamb, of Dela- ware county. They have two children : Annie K. and Frederick F. The family attend the Zion Lutheran church.
GOOD, GEORGE, grocer, was born in Fair- view township, York county, Pa., May 30, 1859; son of the late Peter and Catherine (Zorger) Good. The parents spent their whole life in York county. The father was a farmer and died in 1891. The mother died in 1884. They had nineteen children, of whom fourteen are living : Sarah, Elias, Peter, John, Daniel, David, Caroline, Anna, Margaret, Jane, Emma, Matilda, Elizabeth and George. George, when he was eight years old, removed with his parents to the village of Yocumtown, in the same county, where he attended the public schools. He served for eight years as a clerk in a general store and in 1884 engaged in business for himself at Goldsboro, on the line of the Northern Central railroad, where he con- tinued successfully until 1893, when he re- moved to Harrisburg and bas since con- ducted business in this city. Mr. Good was married at Goldsboro to Lottie Burger, daughter of John and Charlotte Burger, of Goldsboro, to whom have been born three children, one of whom died in infancy. The survivors are Amy and George. Mr. Good is a Liberal in his political views and has served as councilman, member of the school
board and borough assessor, of Goldsboro. He is connected with the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities at Goldsboro. He at- tends the Second Church of God.
ENDERS, AMOS E., grocer, Harrisburg, was born in Jackson township, Dauphin county, Pa., February 21, 1861. IIe is a son of Uriah F. and Catherine (Warner) Enders. His grandparents on his mother's side are natives of Dauphin county, and are still living, at an advanced age, in Jefferson township, Dauphin county. His parents are natives of Jackson township and resided there until 1870, since which date they have been honored residents of Susquehanna township. They live at Penbrook, where they are quietly and peacefully spending the afternoon of life. Five of their seven chil- dren are living : Amos E .; Alfred R., of Lower Paxton township ; Joseph S., of Hos- pers, Iowa ; Pierce W., and Cora May, resid- ing with her parents.
Amos E. Enders, at nine years of age, re- moved with his parents to Penbrook, Sus- quehanna township. He was there educated in the public schools and completed his studies in the Lebanon Valley College. Af- terwards he was a teacher in the public schools of Susquehanna township for twelve years. On November 12, 1892, he engaged in his present business.
He was married, in Harrisburg, Janu- ary 10, 1889, to Miss Katie, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Forney) Booser. They have two children: Violet B., born October 9, 1891, and Esther May, born May 4, 1893.
Mr. Enders served two terms as register and assessor of Susquehanna township. He is a member of Capital City Council, No. 327, Jr. O. U. A M., and of Star of America Com- mandery, No. 113, K. of M. His political views are Republican. He and his wife at- tend the United Brethren church and the Church of God.
Henry Booser, the father of Mrs. A. E. Enders, was born at Middletown, Dauphin county, February 9, 1842, a son of Louis and Peggy (Weaver) Booser, who both died dur- ing his childhood. He was a farmer boy until he was sixteen years old, receiving a limited education in the public schools. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in company I, Ninety-third regi- ment, Pennsylvania volunteers, and served two years, and was discharged on account of disability. In July, 1864, he enlisted in the
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Two Hundred and First regiment, Pennsyl- vania volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He took part in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, Va., and in the Seven Days' battle. When discharged from the army he resumed his residence in Harrisburg and has for thirty years worked at his trade of shoemaking with Forney Bros.
He was married in Linglestown, Pa., in 1866, to Sarah A., daughter of IIenry and Sarah Forney, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Booser have had five children, four of whom survive: Kate, wife of A. E. Enders; Harry W., Charles E., and Blaine A. Lydia F. died, aged three years.
- GOULD, GEORGE W., grocer, Harrisburg, Pa., was born in Harrisburg, May 11, 1868. He is a son of Christian and Rebecca (Craig) Gould. Christian Gould was born in Car- lisle, Pa. He lived in Harrisburg for many years and was connected with the Philadel- phia and Reading railroad as yard dispatcher. For some years he has been retired from active business. He was twice married. Of the first marriage there was one daughter, Catherine, now wife of William Banks, of Harrisburg. His second wife, Rebecca Craig, was born in Columbia, Lancaster county, Pa. The only child of this marriage is George W.
George W. Gould has resided in Harris- burg all his life. He was educated in the city schools, and afterwards became sales- man in a grocery house; this position he held for about two years. He was then for eight years in the employ of the Philadel- phia and Reading Railroad Company as brakeman, fireman and engincer. He was one year with the Pennsylvania railroad as brakeman. In this service he met with an accident which made the amputation of one leg necessary, and was consequently com- pelled to abandon railroad work. In 1893 he engaged in the grocery business, which he still conducts with success. He was mar- ried, in Harrisburg September 26, 18SS, to Frances, daughter of William and Mary Anderson, of Harrisburg. Mrs. Gould was born in Lancaster. They have one daughter, Annie Rebecca. Mr. Gould is a member of Fulton Council, No. 35, O. U. A. M., and St. John's Castle, No. 17, K. of M. C. He belongs to the Beneficial Society of the Pine Street Presbyterian church, which church he and his wife attend.
-HARTMAN, RUFUS A., grocer, was born in Mount Joy, Lancaster county, Pa., October 29, 1869 ; son of George W. and Elizabeth M. (Durboraw) Hartman. He attended the public school of his native township and completed his education at the Gettysburg Normal School. He was for four years em- ployed as a teacher in the public schools of Adams and Lancaster counties, and in 1891 removed to Harrisburg, where he was en- gaged as a salesman until 1893, at which date he embarked in his present business. He was married at Kingsdale, Adams county, in 1892, to Jennie Mehring, daughter of Samuel and Anna Mehring, by whom he has one child, born January 31, 1896. Mr. Hartman isa member of Harrisburg Coun- cil, No. 106, O. U. A. M., and of the P. O. S. of A. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and attends the Reformed church.
- SOELL, JOHN, butcher, was born in Mox- tone township, Berks county, Pa., July 1, 1855. He is a son of John and Catherine (Kripp) Soell. John Soell was born in Ger- many, where he was brought up, educated and married. He learned carpentry, and pursued that calling both in Germany and America. His wife, Catherine Kripp, was also a native of Germany. After their marriage they emigrated to this country. They remained some time and then returned to Germany, where Mrs. Soell died. They had fourteen children, seven of whom are living: Lizzie, wife of Abraham Nath ; Kate, wife of W. A. Bats; Barbara, wife of W. S. Krause; Mary, wife of G. Higes, de- ceased ; Frederick; Louisa, wife of a Mr. Weaver, and John.
John Soell, Jr., received only a very lim- ited education, having attended the public school of Berks county only seven weeks. He accompanied his parents on their return to Germany, and spent two years in the old country, during which his mother died. After this event he returned to America with his brother. He reached Harrisburg with only eighteen cents in his pocket, a stranger and friendless. In some way he obtained employment as a laborer under Mr. Hanshaw, at the car works, and held this place for two years; he was then pro- moted to the position of foreman, and served in this capacity for one year. Previous to his promotion he attended the night school on Walnut street, under Prof. Edwards, for one winter. Desiring to learn a trade, he
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resigned his place as foreman in the car works and served an apprenticeship of three years at butchering with Mr. Jacob Olmer, at Pottsville, Pa. He worked at his trade there for some years and then returned to Harrisburg and worked a few months for Mr. Augustus Gohl. On March 28, 1892, Mr. Soell began business for himself. He opened a shop at 424 Walnut street, and continued there until April 1, 1895; he then removed to 428 Walnut street, where he is now car- rying on a large and profitable business. Mr. Soell was married, March 1, 1882, to Miss Christiana, daughter of Christopher and Catherine (Hersleman) Bink. They have no children. Mrs. Soell was born in 1846. Her parents were both natives of Germany. Her father was a tinsmith, and was subsequently engaged in mercantile business. Her mother died at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. They had six children, three of whom are living: Bar- bara, wife of Willing Eling, deceased ; Henry, and Christiana, Mrs. Soell.
"ROUMFORT, CHARLES E., bread and cracker baker, was born at Chestnut Hill, Philadel- phia, Pa., November 30, 1828. He is the son of Augustus L. and Mary M. (Kline) Roumfort. His early life was spent in Philadelphia, and his education was received in the public schools of that city. After completing his education he learned baking and has made it his occupation throughout his life. In 1853 he removed to Harrisburg and established himself in business in which he was continuously and successfully en- gaged until March, 1896, when he sold out and retired. He was married, in Philadel- phia, to Elizabeth Haas, born at Chestnut Hill, daughter of Mathias and Malinda Haas. They have three children : Mary, wife of W. F. Kunkle, residing in Philadelphia ; Victorine M., wife of M. Coover, residing in Harrisburg, and Augustus L.
Augustus L: Roumfort was born in Har- risburg, January 30, 1866. He took the regular course of instruction in the city schools and also in the Commercial College. His education ended, he at once became con- nected with his father in business, in which he was actively employed until his father's retirement from business. The elder Mr. Roumfort is a Democrat. The family at- tend the Episcopal church.
. TEMPLAR, JOSEPH E., deceased, was born in Wellington, England, December 1, 1837 ; son of Joseph and Anna (Hancock) Templar. He had only slender educational advantages, which he improved to the utmost, but se- cured only a limited education. He learned the trades of wool sorter and baker, and came to America in 1857, locating in Harrisburg. IIe was foreman for General Roumfort for seven years, after which he removed to Car- lisle, Pa., where he carried on a bakery for two years, and then embarked in the grocery business in Harrisburg, corner of Fourth and Walnut streets, which he conducted for six- teen years, removing in 1887 to Thirteenth and Market streets. He died February 16, 1896. His political affiliation was with the Republican party, and he had always been a strong anti-slavery man and a warm friend of the colored race. Public office was not at- tractive to him, and he never accepted offi- cial positions, having served only on the elec- tion board. Mr. Templar was married to Miss Susan, daughter of Joseph D. Gallegher, of Harrisburg, by whom he had four chil- dren: Frank N., in hardware trade in Har- risburg; Harry W., printer, Harrisburg ; Bertha, Mrs. Harry C. Young, Harrisburg, and Ida G. He was married, secondly, in 1876, to Miss Fannie M. Ferster, daughter of Ru- dolph Ferster, of Honey Brook, Chester county, Pa., by whom he had one child. Mary Alice. Mr. Templar was reared a Presbyte- rian, and first united with the Market Square Presbyterian church, but afterwards joined the Pine Street church of the same denomi- nation. He took an active interest in the Elder Street Presbyterian church, and was a teacher in the Sabbath-school many years.
- BUTLER, WILLIAM A., baker, was born in Berkeley county, W. Va., July 28, 1852. He is a son of the late Dr. William H. and Sarah (Price) Butler. Dr. William H. But- ler was born in Berkeley county, W. Va., and was educated in his native county, where he also studied and practiced medi- cine. His wife, Sarah Price, was also born in Berkeley county, They had one son, William H. Dr. Butler died in 1862, and is survived by his wife, who resides with her son. William H. Butler, Jr., received a limited education, having attended the pub- lie schools of his native place until he was twelve years old, after which he worked for his mother for a time. Soon after leaving
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school he secured a position as brakeman on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, which he held for one year. He was afterwards employed for four years, off and on, in the ore. mines. In 1869 Mr. Butler came to Harrisburg, where he secured employment in the rolling mill at Lochiel, and remained there some time. After his marriage, he was employed as teamster for a few months, after which he engaged in business for him- self. He leased the restaurant, corner of Cowden street and Strawberry avenue, where he carried on business for five years. In 1890 he removed to No. 418 Market street, and opened the Temperance Hotel, known as the Windsor House; he con- ducted it with success until January, 1896, when he removed to No. 1409 North Third street, and established a first class bakery. In all that pertains to the baker's craft, Mr. Butler is a recognized authority, being well- informed in the details and general scope of the business. Mr. Butler was married, April 27, 1873, to Miss Annie, daughter of Henry and Annie E. Wingert. They have four children : Minnie F. E., wife of John I. Pies- son ; Sarab K., Cora J., and Annie. Mr. Butler has been an active member of Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F. for eight years. He is a Republican. The family are members of the First Baptist church, corner of Second and Pine streets. The parents of Mrs. But- ler were both natives of Germany, who came to this country in 1863; their occupation was farming. They had two children : Annie, Mrs. Butler, and Lizzie, Mrs. George Koch. The father died in 1859, aged forty-five years. Her mother still lives, at the age of seventy-one years, and resides in Williams- port, Pa. She is a member of the Reformed church.
-STENCE, BENJAMIN F., was born in Dauphin county, Pa., on what is known as the Motter farm, December 12, 1866. He is a son of the late Samuel and Mary (Hoelstine) Stence. His paternal grandparents were natives of Dauphin county ; the grandfather was a cabinet maker. His maternal grandparents were farmers. His father, Samuel Stence, was born in Dauphin county, Pa., October 16, 1836. He learned cabinet making and continued in this business until after his marriage, when he engaged in farming. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Hoelstine, born January 7, 1841. Of their five children, four are living; Louis,
Benjamin F., Agnes and Lottie. Jacob died January 9, 1833, aged twenty-one. Mr. Samuel Stence was a Republican. He and his wife were members of the Bethel church. Mrs. Stence died in January, 1878, aged thirty-one. -
Benjamin F. Stence was reared a farmer boy and was educated in the common schools of Dauphin county. At the age of twelve he began to learn baking, and served an ap- prenticeship of twenty-one months with Mr. Porter, of Dauphin, Pa. At the end of his apprenticeship he went to Newport, Perry county, Pa., and worked at his trade eighteen months for George E. Gas. After this he worked for one year in New York City. He enlisted in the United States army January 18, 1884, and was discharged May 21, 188-4. on account of disability. He then worked at baking for three months. In October, 1885, he came to Harrisburg and worked for Mrs. Miller, on Paxton street, until she sold her bakery, when he found employment with Mr. Gebhard for one year. Prior to this he had been engaged for a year and a half in a pretzel bakery in Duncannon, Perry county, Pa. He was also employed by Mr. Gohil on Walnut street, and afterwards for three months by Christ Dapp on Third street.
He was married, September 23, 1887, to Miss Ellen M., daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Beaver) Fickes. They had four chil- dren, one of whom is living, Clarissa E. Their deceased children are: Bessie, died August 10, 1888, aged three months and one day; Mary, died October 13, 1890, aged two months and five days, and an infant, un- named. Mr. Stence is a Republican.
Benjamin Fickes, father of Mrs. Stence, was born in Dauphin county. He was a farmer and was married to a native of Dan- phin county. They had two daughters. Annie, wife of A. L. Gast, and Ellen M., wife of B. F. Stence. Her parents reside in Perry county and are engaged in farming.
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