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 59
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WAGNER, SERELL, gardening farmer, was born in Harrisburg, Pa., December 25, 1840. He was a son of Henry and Elizabeth Wag- ner, residents of Dauphin county. His par- ents had eight children, five of whom are deceased. Their living children are : Henry, Alfred, and Serell.
Serell Wagner received his education in the public schools. He engaged in farming and gardening, and followed this calling throughout his life. His politics were Demo- cratic.
He was married, July 31, 1863, to Cathe. rine J. Mader, by whom he has three chil- dren: John Eliner, Annie N., wife of George Davis, and Almeda J. Mrs. Wagner's par- ents had fourteen children. The family attend Bethel Methodist Episcopal church
Mr. Wagner died on March 19, 1896.
BOMGARDNER, JEROME, was born in Leb- anon county, Pa., March 14, 1852. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Kratzer) Bom- gardner. His parents had eight children, four of whom are deceased : Samuel, who died in infancy ; Catherine, died aged four- teen ; Lydia, wife of David Ream, died aged about thirty ; and Lucetta, died aged fifty- three years, nine months and twenty-five days. Their living children are : Elizabeth, wife of Elias Kelley, of Lebanon county ; John A., residing near Hummelstown ; Je- rome, and Harvey, of Lebanon county.
Jerome Bomgardner received his educa- tion in the public schools. After leaving school he engaged in farming, in which oc- cupation he has ever since continued.
He was married, June 22, 1872, to Eliza- beth, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Mary Keller. They have had six children, one of whom, Charles, died at two years of age. Their surviving children are: Lizzie R .. William, Grant, Harry, and Samuel. The parents of Mrs. Bomgardner were natives of Lebanon county, Pa. Her father is de- ceased, but her mother is still living.
Mr. Bomgardner, in politics, is a staunch Republican. He is a member of Lodge No. 12, Jr. O. U. A. M.
GREENAWALT, CHARLES F., retired farmer and real estate dealer, was born in Dauphin county, Pa., April 5, 1857. He is the only child of Philip B. and Susan E. (Fox) Green- awalt. His mother was the only child of John and Elizabeth Fox; Elizabeth Fox was the only child of David and Susan Shoop, and Susan Shoop was the only child of Peter and Elizabeth Blosser, of Dauphin, Pa. Susan E. Fox Greenawalt, mother of Charles F., died in the spring of 1858, aged twenty-eight.
Charles F. Greenawalt's education was begun in the public schools. At the age of twelve he attended school in Harrisburg under Prof. Gause. At sixteen he entered Ursinus College, Montgomery county, Pa., and took a course preparatory for entrance to the State College. He remained in the
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latter institution until he was twenty years old, leaving at that time on account of the death of his grandfather.
He was married, March 4, 1876, to Mary Fair, daughter of Isaac and Anna Fagley. They had six children : Susan, died in in- fancy ; Louis Philip, born September 20, 1880; Maggie Umberger, born January 16, 1886; Napoleon Hall, born February 19, 1887; Caroline, born September 27, 1890, and John Fox, born January 24, 1895. From the time of his marriage until 1887 Mr. Greenawalt was engaged in farming in Susquehanna township. In 1887, by the death of his grandfather, he came into possession of a vast estate which had been in the family since the colonial days of 1768. He is, therefore, a large landholder , he occupies a beautiful residence situated on the river road in Susquehanna township.
Mr. Greenawalt belongs to the Junior Or- der United American Mechanics. He is a staunch Republican. He has been a school director for six consecutive years, and has been president of the school board for five years. He was appointed census enumer- ator of Susquehanna township in 1890. He is one of the trustees of the Coxestown Methodist Episcopal church, which he and his family attend.
SNYDER, GEORGE WILLIAM, farmer, was born November 18, 1842. He is a son of Fred- erick and Christiana (Speese) Snyder, natives of Germany. His father died in 1858; his mother is still living. They had eight chil- dren, three of whom are deceased. Their living children are : Louis, George William, John D., Edward S., and Rebecca, wife of Joseph Lutz.
George William Snyder received his edu- cation in the district schools of Lebanon county. At the age of sixteen his school days were ended, and he began regular work with his father in the tannery. On September 18, 1861, he volunteered his service in defense of the Nation, and was enrolled in company F, Ninety-third regiment, Pennsylvania vol- unteers, under Colonel McCarter and Lieu- tenant Colonel Johnson. He served in the army until February, 1863, when he was honorably discharged at Alexandria, Va. He then returned to his home, and served an apprenticeship at carpentry with William Cassel. Having learned his trade he worked for two years as journeyman carpenter. At the expiration of this time he became a
farmer, and has since made this his business. IIle was married, August 27, 1867, to Han- nah, daughter of Emanuel and Hannah Cassel, of Dauphin county. They have had two children : Jerome, who died at the age of three years and ten months; and John H., who is living.
The political preferences of Mr. Snyder are with the Republican party. He is a member of the Reformed church.
MILLER, DAVID, SR., carpenter and farmer, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Septem- ber 8, 1814. He is a son of Samuel and Annie (Medlin) Miller. He has the blood of Revolutionary soldiers in his veins. His grandfather and grandfather's brother came to America during the war for freedom from British rule. They were seventy-four days in crossing the ocean. They landed at New York and at once enlisted in the patriot army commanded by Washington. The army was at that time resisting the landing of British troops on Long Island.
Mr. Miller's parents had five children, of whom he is the only one now living. Ile was educated in the subscription schools. At sixteen years of age he began to learn carpentry. He was engaged in various ov- cupations until his marriage; after this im- portant event he became a farmer This was his occupation until 1882; he then took up gardening, in which he has been em- ployed from that time to the present.
He was married, December 24, 1835, to Miss Sarah Wood. They have had nine children, five of whom are deceased : Sarah E., died August 29, 1858; Harriet Ellen, died February 25, 1872; W. Wesley, died April 20, 1881 ; Susan M., died July 15, 1881 ; Samuel B., died August 11, 1888. The sur- vivors are: David W .; John C .; Jane Eliza- beth, widow of Moses Zimmerman, and Mary Ann, wife of Henry Smith. Mrs. David Miller died March 11, 1868. She was one of a family of six children.
Mr. Miller is a Republican. He has served one term as a constable of Susque- hanna township. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has been a very industrious man, and has lived a useful and successful life. He is genial and sociable, and has drawn around him a circle of warm friends. He is an intelligent and reliable citizen, and commands the respeci and confidence of his neighbors.
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GARMAN, CHARLES B., gardening farmer, was born at Harrisburg, Pa., November 21, 1857. He is a son of George B. and Cathe- rine (Page) Garman. His parents had nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The survivors are : Daniel, Mary, Joseph, Henry, Sarah J., wife of John L. Beaver, Rebecca, and Charles B. The father and mother are both deceased.
Charles B. Garman enjoyed the advan- tages afforded by the city schools of Harris- burg. He looked forward in his younger days to the time when he must begin the actual struggles of life, and made good use of his time and privileges in preparing him- self to act his part well. At nineteen years of age his school days ended, and he looked about for a beginning of work. He engaged in farming, making a specialty of gardening.
He was married, October 27, 1881, to Mary M., daughter of John and Crescenta (Kern) Meyer. They have six children : John Carl, Mary C., Thirza A., Annie M., Herman G., and Bertha Catherine. In political princi- ples Mr. Garman is in accord with the Demo- cratic party. He and his family are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic church. He is prosperous in his business, because he is en- terprising, energetic and skillful.
REICHERT, DAVID J., gardener and farmer, was born in Susquehanna township, April 26, 1862. He is a son of Henry and Mar- garet (Douglass) Reichert, natives of Dau- phin county, Pa. They had ten children : Mary E., deceased ; Emma A., wife of. Ham- ilton Bender ; David J .; Henry L .; William J .; Rebecca, wife of George Hoyert ; Andrew A., Benjamin H., Frederick J., and Carrie M.
David J. Reichert took the usual course in the schools of his native township. At the close of his school days he engaged in farm- ing and gardening, and has continued to make these occupations his business to the present time. He is alive to the demands of the times, and is too enterprising and pro- gressive to fall behind the leading men in his line.
He was married, October 18, 1883, to Fan- nie E., daughter of Lazarus and Mary (Kreiser) Cassel. They have one child, Cleve- Jand W. Reichert. The parents of Mrs. Reichert are both old residents of Dauphin county. In his political views Mr. Reichert is a Democrat. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
GARMAN, GEORGE B., dairyman and farmer, was born November 7, 1832. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (Brightbill) Garman. His father died at the age of seventy-one, and his mother at the age of sixty-four years. They had fourteen children, eight of whom are deceased. The story of two of these, George and Benjamin, is like that of many other patriotic boys, but it is one which can- not be too often told, both as a just tribute of gratitude to those who freely gave their lives to redeem the Nation and to perpetuate free institutions, and as an inspiration to coming generations. Both of these boys en- listed in the army at the outbreak of the Re- bellion. George was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania. Benjamin was taken pris- oner, and died a lingering death from priva- tion in the prison pen of Andersonville.
George B. Garman was educated in the district school of Susquehanna township. He left school while still in his teens, and began the business of life as a farmer. He is adapted to this occupation, and likes it. He has the indefatigable, persistent energy and purpose which cannot fail. He has demon- strated the possibilities of farming in Dau- phin county. He was married, in October, 1858, to Mary A., daughter of Peter and Bar- bara Fisher. They have six children : Fran- cis H .; Emma B., wife of David Moyer; Mary E., wife of Edwin Herr; George P .; Sallie E., wife of John Starry, and Ida M. Mr. Garman has been school director for nine consecutive years, and township audi- tor for nine years. He is a staunch Repub- lican. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
MECKLEY, SAMUEL JOSEPH, dairyman and farmer, was born February 28, 1863. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Brubaker) Meckley, prominent and highly esteemed residents of Susquehanna township and members of the Dunkard church.
Samuel Joseph Meckley received his edu- cation in the public schools of his native township. He entered upon the business of farming at the close of his school days and has made this his life occupation. He is a staunch Republican.
At the age of twenty-two years Samuel Meckley was married to Ida J. Grove. They have two children : Elroy Ellsworth, born October 28, 1886, and Mary Elizabeth, No- vember 6, 1892. Mr. S. J. Meckley and family are members of the Methodist church.
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His standing as a business man is among the T., Calra A., Benjamin F., Rose D., and Ma- bel M.
foremost in his line. He is a man of per- sonal worth and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors.
S. J. Meckley's parents are members of the Dunkard church, but himself and family are Methodists.
SHUTT, HENRY LAWRENCE, miller and farmer, was born in West Hanover township, Dauphin county, Pa., April 23, 1856. His father died November 28, 1869; his mother is still living. They had ten children, three of whom, William, John Alfred, and Ellen, died in infancy. Their living children are : Mary J., Stephen E., Catherine A., Sarah A., Elizabeth E., Emma R., and Henry Law- rence, all of whom have been married.
Henry Lawrence was educated in the dis- trict schools of his native township. His school days were cut short at the age of four- teen, when he went out from home to make his own way. He hired out to work on a farm, and was employed in this way until 1879, when he engaged in milling. The numerous farmers who are his neighbors and patrons of his mill, bear testimony that he is a square-dealing business man and a good citizen. His politics are Republican.
He was married, May 25, 1875, to Har- riet, daughter of George and Rebecca (Mc- Clure) Ludwig. They have had ten chil- dren, five of whom are deceased : Wilson, Isaac, Raymond, and Annie died in infancy, and Trueman, aged three years. The sur- viving children are: Sarah E., Henry L., Lizzie V., David S., and Earl A. Mrs. Shutt's parents are both deceased; her father on June 25, 1866, her mother November 3, 1860. Mr. Shutt's family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
WALTZ, DANIEL, farmer and dairyman, was born January 9, 1838. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Clemens) Waltz, who both died at an advanced age. He attended the schools of Dauphin and Lebanon counties. Since the age of seventeen years he has been continuously engaged in farming.
At the age of twenty-eight he married Melinda, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Geisy. They have had twelve children, three of whom died in infancy : Gideon, Riley, and John; and Edward, at the age of twenty-four. Their surviving children are : Lydia A., Harriet E., Charles H., William
Mr. Waltz has an honorable record as a soldier. On July 28, 1861, he enlisted at Harrisburg, in company C, First regiment, light artillery, under Captain Simpson and Colonel Campbell. He served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Camp Curtin, July 30, 1865. He partici- pated in fifteen fiercely contested engage- ments, in all of which he displayed the qual- ities and bearing of a heroic soldier. His brother George, impelled by the same lofty patriotism, also enlisted, and laid down his life in defense of the Union. He was taken prisoner, and died of privation at Anderson- ville: A third brother, John H., also ren- dered patriotic service in the Two Hundred and First regiment, Pennsylvania volun- teers. The record of these three brothers is worthy of preservation. It will show to the young men of the present and future that patriotism is among the virtues ; that it may demand supreme sacrifice, but that its ro- wards are imperishable. Mr. Waltz is a staunch Republican. His family belong to the Evangelical church.
HOKE, PETER, farmer, was born March 9, 1830. He is a son of Philip and Maria (Fox) Hoke. His parents had eight chil- dren, three of whom, Anna, Louisa, and Benjamin, are deceased. Their living chil- dren are: Elias; Peter H .; Mary, wife of Christian Loy ; Lydia, wife of John Weund, and Philip. The mother died at the age of fifty-seven, and the father at the age of sev- enty-five years.
Peter H. Hoke attended the district schools. He became a farmer and has al- ways pursued this occupation. At the age of twenty-eight he was married to Ruth Ann, daughter of Elijah and Lydia Ann (Russell) Payne. They have no children, but have adopted a son, whom they have named John H. Hoke. In political views Mr. Hoke has always been a Republican. He and his family attend the Reformed church. Mr. Hoke is one of the successful and prosperous farmers of the township, and is a worthy man.
SNYDER, JOHN, dairyman and farmer, was born in Dauphin county. He is a son of John and Mary (Bright) Snyder. His par- ents had six children, of whom one died in infancy ; William, at the age of sixteen ; and
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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA
Elizabeth, wife of Michael Clay, at the age of forty-nine years. The survivors are: Sam- uel, Benjamin, and John. The mother died, and the father married again. His second wife was Eliza Balsbach, by whom he had six children : George ; Maggie ; James; Mary, wife of Samuel Brinton ; Harry, and Kate. Both parents are living.
John Snyder attended the district schools of his township. After his school days were ended he was employed for three years on the railroad. At the end of that time he began farming, and has made this his busi- ness up to the present time. He was mar- ried, October 13, 1874, to Elmira, daughter of Isaac and Mary A. (Shope) Schatzer. They have six children : Mary, Ralph, Cora, Mabel, Kirk, and Grace.
Mr. Snyder has efficiently served four con- secutive terms as school director for his district. In political views he is a staunch Republican. He and his family are mem- bers of the United Brethren church. Mr. Snyder is highly esteemed by his neighbors. He is a reliable man and a citizen of public spirit. His life is such as to commend him to the confidence of those associated with him in business and social circles.
-DAGNELL, JOHN RICHARD, miller, was born in Prince Edward county, Va., October 10, 1847. He is a son of John R. and Agnes (Rogers) Dagnell. His parents both died when he was very young. They had two children : Julia, deceased, and John Richard.
He was educated in the public schools of his native county. At the age of twenty-one he was married, October 25, 1868, to Susan A., daughter of Peter and Margaret Stam- baugh. They had nine children, three are deceased : Alice, Lula Margaret, and Philip. Their surviving children are: Robert R .; Agnes V., wife of Frank Sheller; Luella M., Harry S., Grace I., and Bessie E. Mrs. Dag- nell's father died in 1891, at the age of eighty- one years.
Mr. Dagnell came to Dauphin county four years ago and engaged in milling. His resi- dence and place of business are situated di- rectly on the boundary line between Susque- hanna and Lower Paxton township. He has conducted his business in such a way as to win the confidence of his patrons. His skill and trustworthiness are unquestioned; his success is decided and most gratifying.
He is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 302,
F. & A. M., Mechanicsburg ; also of Council No. 197, O. U. A. M., Mechanicsburg, Pa.
In politics Mr. Dagnell is independent. In voting he selects men of worth and fitness, without regard to party connection, but usu- ally votes the Democratic ticket. His family attend the Reformed church.
- MARZOLE, GEORGE, gardener and farmer, is a native of Ringendorpf, province of Al- sace, France. He was born December 13, 1830. He is a son of George and Margaret Marzolf, both deceased. They had eight children, six of whom came to America, and settled in Dauphin county. They are : Mar- garet, wife of Frederick Wagner; George, Michael, John, Mary and Jacob.
George Marzolf received his education in France, and was engaged in farming until his emigration to America in 1857. He landed in New York and came directly to Harrisburg. Here he engaged in farming and gardening, which has been his employ- ment to the present time.
He was married, December 25, 1851, to Catherine Mosler, one of the five children of George and Margaret Mosler, born in the town of Wickersheim, Alsace, France. They have had four children, two of whom are de- ceased. Maggie died at the age of nineteen, and Catherine, wife of Frank Mergner, at the age of thirty-eight years. The living children are, George M. and John. The mother died May 16, 1873. The children being all adults, and the father left alone, he married again ; his second wife was Cathe- rine Fifer, daughter of George and Mary (Schmidt) Pifer, born in Heingren, Bavaria, Germany. Of this marriage there has been no issue.
In political views Mr. Marzolf is Demo- cratic. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.
". MOODY, WILLIAM H., gardening farmer, was born November 29, 1868. He is a son of Washington and Adeline (Fleischer) Moody. His parents are old and highly re- spected residents of Susquehanna township. They had ten children, three of whom are deceased, Alfred, died in infancy, George W. and Annie M., both died at about the age of four years. Their living children are: Sallie F., wife of Samuel Bankes; William H .; Lizzie, wife of Charles Dunlap; Cathe- rine, Charles W., Jennie, and Miriam M.
William H. Moody attended the public
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DAUPHIN COUNTY.
schools. When he was of age to begin busi- ness, he engaged in gardening and farming, and has made this his occupation to the present time. He was married, December 30, 1892, to Annie L., daughter of Ellis W. and Sarah J. (Lebo) Ford. They had one son, Ford W. The parents of Mrs. Moody are residents of Dauphin county, They had a family of three children : one of whom died in infancy ; Annie L., and Lizzie W. Mrs. Ford died July 28, 1882, aged forty-two. Mr. Ford married for his second wife, Re- becca Smith, by whom he had three children : two of whom are deceased; George, died in infancy, and Don S., at the age of six.
Mr. Moody is still a young man, but has displayed good business qualities, and by his energy and thrift has established a good reputation, and is regarded as a successful gardener and farmer. He is a Democrat. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
RINEARD, SAMUEL W., gardening farmer, was born in Susquehanna township, Dau- phin county, Pa., December 19, 1841. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Catherine (Sponsler) Rineard. His father was born March 21, 1817, and died March 3, 1890; his mother was born February 26, 1817, and died September 12, 1880. They had four children: one died in infancy, unnamed ; Susanna A., died August 21, 1856, and Jacob C., February 29, 1872. Samuel W., the second of the family, is the only sur- vivor. He took the ordinary course of in- struction in the common schools of Susque- hanna township. He learned blacksmith- ing, and worked at that trade for about twenty years. Then, changing his occupa- tion, he began gardening and farming, and has continued in this business.
He was married, September 17, 1865, to Mary Ellen, daughter of John M. and Mary Reichard. They had two children ; one died an infant, March 2, 1872; the surviving child is Harry C. Mrs. Rineard's parents were prominent and highly respected resi- dents of Dauphin county. They are both deceased. Mr. Rineard is a Republican. The family attend the Lutheran church.
Ilarry C. Rineard, son of Samuel W., was married, February 18, 1889, to Lillie A., daughter of Theophilus and Caroline Strayer, by whom he has three children : David II., Kenneth T., and Mary Ellen.
The Rineard homestead has been in the possession of the family over a century. Mary Madefina, Mr. Rineard's aunt, was born on the homestead, July 20, 1812, and spent her life there. She died November 8, 1892. His uncle, Samuel Rincard, was born there November 13, 1815. He is still living, having spent his life also on the homestead.
SMITH, ANDREW C., gardener and farmer, was born January 15, 1861. He is a son of David and Lydia (Hocker) Smith. His parents had ten children, all of whom are living: Mary, wife of John Loban ; Andrew C .; Katie, widow of David Sheesley ; Alice, wife of Frank Eshmer ; Annie, wife of Frank Ebersoll ; David, Jr .; George; Lizzie, wife of Harry Wolf; Emma, and Jennie.
Andrew C. Smith received his education in the district schools of his native town- ship. After leaving school he engaged in gardening and farming. He has continued in this business and has prosecuted it with skill and energy. He stands among the most successful men in his line in Susque- hanna township.
He was married, October 2, 1882, to Mary A., daughter of Jacob C. and Margaret (Schlegel) Matzinger. They have four chil- dren : Edward J., David W., Margaret Eva, and one child who died in infancy. He is a Republican. His family are members of the United Brethren church.
The parents of Mrs. Smith were married January 13, 1865. They had four children : John W .; Mary A., wife of Andrew C. Smith ; Frank H., and William J. The father died January 9, 1892, deeply mourned by his loving wife and children, and by his many friends and neighbors.
-KLOPFER, GOTTLIEB, farmer, was born in Weilheim, county of Clundeheim, Wurtem- berg, Germany. He is a son of Gottlieb and Dora (Pfitzer) Klopfer. They had ten chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy. The living children are: Dora, wife of Gottlieb Mock ; Gottlieb, Carl H., Frederick, Henry, Albert, Christina, and Lotta, wife of Mr. Monroe. Both parents died in Germany, the father aged sixty-five years, the mother aged forty.
Gottlieb Klopfer received his education in the private schools of his native town. He learned shoemaking in Germany. He came to America in 1850. He sailed from Havre. France, was aboard ship six weeks, landed
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