History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 15

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1390

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The father was born in York county, and being left an orphan at an early age was reared to manhood by a Mr. Bollinger who resided in York county, near Spring Grove. He learned the shoemaking trade, which, however, he did not follow long. He engaged in farming un- til 1836, in that year purchasing the "Spring Garden Hotel," in Spring Garden township, which since his death has been converted from an old dilapidated building into a fine hotel structure, with all modern improvements. This he conducted until his death, in 1845. The hotel is now owned by the widow of Edward Witmer. John Runk was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. Runk married Lydia Sowers, who was born in York county, daughter of Caspar Sowers, a representative of one of the pioneer families of York county. Mrs. Runk died in 1886 at the age of eighty-three years, and was buried at Prospect Hill cemetery. She and her husband had children as follows: Isaac, our subject; Louisa, who married Heiman Adams, both now deceased; Levi, who died young ; and Mary Ann, the wife of Edward Blosser, the well known contractor and builder of York.

Isaac Runk received his education in the common schools of York and learned the cigarmaking trade. In 1854 he engaged in a mercantile business at Freystown, now in the city of York, or East York, his store being located on East Market street near his home, and he successfully continued in that line until 1886. From that time on he held the office of treasurer of the Eastern Market of York, also being a stockholder in that enterprise. Mr. Runk purchased the fine home in which he resided, at No. 743 East Market street, from John Bender in 1880 and he was one of the oldest residents of the East end. He passed away April 5, 1906, after a decline of about two months' duration and was buried in Pros- pect Hill cemetery.

In 1855 Mr. Runk married Eliza Frey, daughter of George and Mary (Spangler) Frey. She died in 1901, and was buried at Prospect Hill cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Runk were born: . Ada L., who lived with her father; Mary A., the wife of William Miller, a skilled patternmaker of York; Irene A., the wife of Charles Lichtenberger, a tinsmith of East Market street, York; and Cora A., the wife of A. A. Myers, a druggist of Norris- town.

Politically Mr. Runk was a Democrat, and he served as township auditor and clerk. He was one of the leading members of Emanuel Reformed Church, and was a man well liked and respected by all with whom he came in contact. A resident of this section for many years, he could readily recall the tearing down and hauling away of the old court house which formerly stood in Centre Square, in which work Mr. Runk took part. Mr. Runk had in his possession a pair of infant's shoes (turns) made by his father in 1830, and worn by the subject of this sketch.

CHARLES P. RICE, D. D. S., a brother of Edward A. Rice, was born in Dover township, York county, Feb. 19, 1868. He is, in education, a product of the public schools of his home district, his professional education having been secured at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Prior to taking this course in dentistry, Dr. Rice spent some nine years in the shoe business. The date of his graduation was 1891, he at once opened offices in York, and has since continued in successful practice at this point.

Miss Elizabeth Gallatin became the wife of Dr. Rice, May 28, 1896. She is the daugh- ter of D. Y. Gallatin, now deceased, who was for many years a prominent merchant of Han- over, York county. To the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Rice was born a son, named Edward Julius Rice.

Dr. Rice is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having membership in the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, and also in the Mystic Shrine. He is also a mem- ber of the Junior Order of the United Amer- ican Mechanics. He is an active worker in the Sunday school of Grace Reformed church, being at the present time secretary. Dr. Rice

BIOGRAPHICAL

is a young man much esteemed in the busi- communicant of and zealous worker in the ness. and social circles of York, where he and his wife move in the most exclusive circles.

THOMAS B. BAIRD, assistant cashier of the City Bank of York, represents one of the honored pioneer families of York county, where he has passed his entire life and has not failed to maintain the prestige of the honored name which he bears.

The founder of the Baird family in York county was Samuel Baird, who came hither from Maryland and settled in Hopewell town- ship, where he established a distillery and be- came a citizen of prominence and influence, continuing his residence here until his death. His son, Thomas, father of Thomas B. Baird, died in 1878, at the age of sixty-five years. He devoted most of his life to contracting, and wielded much influence in business and civic affairs, while his name stood as a synonym of integrity and honor in all the relations of life. He married Sarah Hartman, who was born and reared in York county, where she continued to reside during the entire course of her life, her death occurring in 1903, when she was seventy- six years old.

Thomas B. Baird was born June 20, 1866, on the old homestead farm in Hopewell town- ship. After completing the work of the public schools he continued his studies in the Stewartstown Academy and then entered a business college in the city of Balti- more, Md., where he completed a course of study and was graduated in 1889. For the ensuing eight years he was a suc- cessful and popular teacher in the public schools of his native county, and at the expira- tion of this period, in 1897, became bookkeeper in the City Bank of York. In 1900 he was ap- pointed assistant cashier, a just recognition of fidelity and efficient executive service on his part. He enjoys marked popularity in the business and social circles of his home city, and is a member of the Lafayette Club and the Country Club. He is a communicant of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, for the past several years has been a member of its vestry, and since 1900 has been treasurer of the parish, being known as a thorough church- man and taking great interest in all branches of the parish work. Mrs. Baird likewise is a

church. Mr. Baird gives his allegiance to the Republican party, and though he is a loyal and public-spirited citizen he has never been an aspirant for political office of any description.

On Sept. 12, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Baird to Miss Isabelle Mc- Lean, daughter of James McLean, a promi- nent dry-goods merchant of York, and to this union have come three children, Elizabeth, Helen and Isabelle.

WILLIAM FROELICH. With a record of half a century's connection with the busi- ness interests of York, and that in the same business, and practically in the same firm, Will- iam Froelich, of the firm of William Froelich & Son, merchant tailors, becomes at once an in- teresting subject for the biographer. In this connection will also.be mentioned the "Son" of the firm, William A. Froelich, one of the choice business spirits of the city, and re- cently the honored president of the Merchants Association of York. William Froelich & Son have their place of business in Odd Fel- lows Hall, at Nos. 100-107 South George street.

Froelich is a German name, this branch of the family having been brought to the United States by William Froelich, who ar- rived here May 15, 1850. He started the present business in 1862, in 1868 forming a co-partnership with F. A. Stieg, and they were together under the name of Stieg & Froelich until 1869 when the co-partnership was dis- solved, Mr. Froelich continuing alone until 1888, when the change to the present name was made.

Mr. Froelich was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Stieg, a daughter of Frederick A. Stieg, and their family consisted of eight children, two of whom died in early childhood. Those living are: William A., partner with his father in the business of merchant tailor ; Walter .S., a druggist in Philadelphia; Philip H., a clerk in his father's store: Minnie S .. the wife of Henry P. Palmer, an insurance agent of York's social circles, being prominent in the the latter a graduate of the York Collegiate Institute, and of the State Normal School at Millersville, class of 1905.

WILLIAM AUGUST FROELICH, the son and

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

partner, was born in York Dec. 22, 1864. born at Selinsgrove, Snyder Co., Pa., Sept. 29, With the advantages of the public schools he 1850. secured a good business education, and then Hon. Jacob G. Shindel was born in 1818, in entered his father's store as a clerk, continu- Northumberland county, of German descent. ing in this relation until 1888, when he was made a partner, and the firm name changed to that of William Froelich & Son. The son has developed a splendid aptitude for business, and has put much life and energy into the firm. The combination of his youthful energy and the father's long experience has resulted in building up a business of large and profitable proportions.

William A. Froelich took unto himself a wife, in 1895, in the person of Annie S., daughter of Frederick A. Beck, warehouse manager for P. A. & S. Small. They have had two children, Mary and Virginia.

William A. Froelich is a popular member of York's social circles being prominent in the Elks and other fraternal organizations in the city. He has interested himself, however, to a greater degree in the line of business develop- ment of the city. He was one of the organ- izers of the Merchants Association in 1897, and evinced such an intelligent interest in its growth and welfare as to cause his election in the spring of 1904, as its president, he being the third to hold this honorable position. Dur- ing the Sesqui-centennial of the city, one of the greatest successes in the line of business displays ever given in York, Mr. Froelich had the honor of being a member of the executive board of the General Committee which planned and carried the program to its successful frui- tion.

Of the father it may be said that while his life has not been a spectacular one he has met his opportunities fairly and squarely and has made the most of them, in that open, honest, persistent way that always wins success. No man stands higher in business circles today in York, and he and his family are held in high regard.

He was educated in his native county, and there spent the earlier years of his life. Subsequently he removed to Selinsgrove, and for a time engaged in general merchandising, but later pursued the drug business in which he con- tinued for many years. He was an old-time Democrat, but being a man of unusual popu- larity, was elected associate judge on the Dem- ocratic ticket in a county strongly Republican. He was one of the stalwart men of his county, useful in both public and private life. He mar- ried Abigail Hathaway, whose father, Reuben Hathaway, was of English descent, and re- sided in Snyder county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shindel : R. Hathaway ; James C., a Lutheran, clergyman of Newark, Ohio; and Susan M., wife of Simon L. Kamp, a resident of Millmont, Delaware Co., Penn- sylvania.

R. Hathaway Shindel grew to manhood in his native village, receiving his education in the public schools and the missionary institute now known as the Susquehanna University. When he laid aside his text books, he became a clerk in his father's drug store, where he remained for six years. Leaving the drug store he was appointed station agent at Selinsgrove for the Sunbury & Lewiston Railway Company, whose. service he left some years later to be- come teller in the Snyder County Bank. He was subsequently promoted to the position of cashier, and served the bank in that capacity un- til 1876, when he removed to York and became bookkeeper in the First National Bank, of that . city, a position he held until 1887. In that year the City Bank of York was organized, and he was elected to the position of cashier in that institution. In further recognition of his abil- ity as a banker, Mr. Shindel was June 4, 1900, elected cashier of the First National Bank of York, of which his father-in-law, the late Ja- cob D. Schall. was president. On Feb. 14. 1905, he was elected a director to fill the va- cancy caused by the death of John H. Small, and at the organization of the board was ap- pointed vice-president and cashier. During his many years of banking, Mr. Shindel has been

R. HATHAWAY SHINDEL, the cap- able and efficient cashier of the First National Bank of York, whose thorough understanding of finance has won him enviable standing in the banking world, is the eldest son of Jacob G. and Abigail (Hathaway) Shindel, and was a careful student of banking institutions and

BIOGRAPHICAL

systems, and has proved himself a conscientious and capable official. He is recognized as a con- servative financier, of undoubted integrity and fine intellect. After coming to York, Mr. Shindel interested himself in a number of its business enterprises outside of the bank with which he is connected, preferring to aid the progress of home industry and home enter- prise, even when it seemed more advantageous to indulge in foreign investments.

Mr. Shindel is a member of the Masonic fraternity in high standing, and also of several secret and beneficial organizations, among which may be mentioned the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks. In matters of re- ligion Mr. Shindel is affiliated with the Episco- pal Church, of which organization in York he is a vestryman and warden. In politics he is an earnest advocate and supporter of Republican policies, and under the first charter of York was elected a member of the common council, and in 1889 was made city treasurer. After serving one year in the latter capacity, the law then regulating the election of city officials in the State of Pennsylvania was declared uncon- stitutional, and after the requisite legal change was made, he was re-nominated and elected for a term of three years under the declared con- stitutional requirements. Mr. Shindel is pres- ident of the Sixth Ward Republican Club, and was made vice president of the Republican State League when it met at York, in 1895. and again in 1896 when that body convened at Erie, Pa. He was elected a delegate to the Repub- lican National Convention which met at St. Louis, Mo., in June, 1896, was an ardent sup- porter of Mckinley, the successful candidate for President, and in that year a Presidential elector for this district. In 1900 he was dele- gate to the National Republican convention which met in Philadelphia to nominate Mc- Kinley and Roosevelt.

In December. 1872, Mr. Shindel was united in marriage with Mary B. Hummel, a daughter of L. R. Hummel, of Selinsgrove, Snyder county. Mr. Shindel's first wife died in Au- gust, 1880. In 1882. he married Lizzie M. Schall, the estimable daughter of the late Ta- cob D. Schall, who was president of the First National Bank.

of Scotch-Irisli ancestry, that race which our historians declare has played such an import- ant part in our country's progress.

The mother of David is Mary Elizabeth Stewart Curry. The father is William Curry. Both are Presbyterian Church members and are descended from Presbyterians. William has been for fifty years owner and a successful manager of one of the largest farms in the vicinity of Belfast, Ireland. From boyhood it had been the purpose of William Curry to give himself to the Gospel ministry, but being the only son of his parents no way was opened up whereby he could attain the cherished ideal of his life. That purpose Providence effected in ways other than he had originally planned, for two sons, Samuel and David S., felt called of God to enter upon that life-work which had al- ways been so near to the heart of their father. The former is now a leading Presbyterian pastor in Clones, Ireland, where he has labored successfully for eight years. The latter is pastor in York.

David Stewart Curry received his educa- tion in the schools of his native country, at- tending for two years the Model School at Coleraine. also the Coleraine Academy for five years, and the Queen's College, Galway, for three years.

It was in 1898 that he graduated from the Royal University of Ireland, in Dublin, with the classical degree of A. B. Among the hon- ors won by him in connection with the Queen's College and the Royal University were the following : prizes in the College Ath- letics, especially in football and tennis; a first class honor in English in the entrance exami- nation for the University, being fifth among about two thousand competitors: the money prize each year, for three successive years, in open competition in three annual examina- tions; the Senior Scholarship money prize in History and Political Economy; the "Sir Thomas Moffett Medal for oratory and com- position," . founded that same year and pre- sented to Mr. Curry as its first recipient by the president, Sir Thomas, in connection with the Queen's College Debating Society.

But Scotland and America were destined, in some respects, to play parts of still greater moment in his history. In order to pursue his

REV. DAVID S. CURRY, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of York, Pa., is studies for the ministry he crossed to Scotland,

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the historic fountain head of Presbyterianism, well as the gifts for the current expenses of the and there in Edinburgh, the seat of Scottish church itself. lore, "Scotia's Darling Seat," he studied in the New College of the Free Church, coming under the influence of such men as Professor Marcus Dods, Professor A. B. Davidson, Reverends Alexander Whyte, Hugh Black, and George Matheson.

Turning his attention in his middle year toward Princeton, where his brother had studied a few years previous, he spent his sec- ond and his third theological years at its Seminary, coming under the influence of men such as Professors Green, Paxton, Purves, Warfield and Davis, graduating in 1900.

Immediately after graduation, which oc- curred on May 8th, Mr. Curry came to York as assistant to the late lamented Rev. Henry E. Niles, D. D., in the First Presbyterian Church, having been elected in February, four months before graduation, and having been ordained (by the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick) a minister of the gospel before leaving Princeton. No sooner had Mr. Curry became located in York than he entered on his work as assistant. Owing, however, to the fact that Dr. Niles died a few days after Mr. Curry's arrival, the latter labored as "Acting Pastor" for six months. It was on Oct. 18, 1900, at a congregational meeting, that Mr. Curry was called to assume the duties of the full pastorate of the First Church, founded in 1790, by Rev. Robert Cathcart, D. D., also of Coleraine, Ire- land, rebuilt in its present beautiful style in 1860 under Rev. Dr. Street, a stronghold of Presbyterianism for over a century, second to none of all York churches in influence for good, advanced to its present prominence by the blessing of the Almighty on successive generations of pastors capable and faithful, and of people loyal, generous, and devoted to the church and its progress.

Rich Divine blessing has attended the Rev. Mr. Curry's efforts and these of his people, as seen in the manifest growth in membership, attendance on public worship, interest in church work, and gifts during his pastorate, the church membership having increased from 450 in 1900, to 620 in 1905, and the already generous annual gifts for benevolences of over $3000 having been increased considerably, as

It was on March 12, 1900, that a most im- portant event occurred in the life of the pastor -his marriage to Miss Catherine Barclay Fraser, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fraser, of Edinburgh, Scotland. In virtue of her beautiful and lovable personality, her win- ning manner, and her capacity to form and re- tain friendship, she has been from the begin- ning a great help and inspiration to her hus- band, not in the Manse alone but also in the church and its work, both among young and old. The people of the church have shown their devotion to the Rev. Mr. Curry and his gifted wife in many ways and on many oc- casions. To them two sons have been born : George Fraser in 1902; and David William in 1905.

Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Curry paid a visit to England, Scotland and Ireland in 1903. On Jan. 2, 1905, Mr. Curry renounced for ever his allegiance to King Edward VII, and became a citizen of the United States of America. Mr. Curry has been an officer several times in the Ministerial Association, was a Commis- sioner to Pennsylvania Synod in 1904, is a trustee of the Collegiate Institute and Presi- dent of the York County Sabbath Association, and was a Commissioner to the General Assem- bly in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1906.

GEORGE FREDERICK MOTTER, whose sudden demise is still fresh in the mem- ory of his fellow-citizens of York, was born Oct. 23, 1838, in York county, at the Motter homestead on the Wrightsville Pike. For the last few years of his life he had lived retired, but he had been for many years prominent in business circles and in the development of var- ious interests in the city, and he accomplished much that is destined to be of enduring value to the community.

Mr. Motter came of a family whose mem- bers have been identified with the history of this section of Pennsylvania from the early days of York and Adams counties. The first of the name to come to this country were Fred- erick, Henry, George and Louis Motter, who emigrated from Germany. They settled in Pennsylvania, near the Maryland line, and

BIOGRAPHICAL

their descendants have since maintained high duties in the most conscientious and satisfac- standing among the substantial residents of that section. Henry Motter was the grand- father of George F. Motter, whose name intro- duces this sketch. He lived in Adams county, and reared a large family, namely: Samuel Henry, Joseph (who served in the Mexican war), Daniel, Jacob, Jesse, Lewis, Frederick, Catherine, Martha and Margaret.

Col. Daniel Motter, father of George F. Motter, was born March 21, 1814, and mar- ried Catherine Klinepeter, who was born April 6, 1814, daughter of . Frederick and Christina Klinepeter. They had a family of nine chil- dren, all now deceased but two, namely : Martha, who was the wife of William Stah- ley ; Lewis ; George F .; Mirah J., wife of Wil- liam Smyser; Mary C., who is the wife of Ed- win I. Kraber, who is in the plumbing business in York; Catherine A., widow of George Ross, of Homer, N. Y. ; Louisa A., deceased : Daniel Joseph, who died young ; and Alice M. The mother of this family died in York at the age of seventy-three years.

When a young man Daniel Motter learned the tanner's trade, but he did not follow it long. He was best suited to affairs that brought him into constant contact with his fel- lowmen, and so he made a success at auction- eering, at which he continued for some time, becoming well known in that line. In the late forties he moved into the city of York, and there owned and conducted the "Motter House," becoming very popular in that con- nection. Indeed, there were few men in York in his day who were better known or had more friends. The nature of his business gave him social opportunities which were entirely con- genial to his disposition. He was a man who bore the utmost goodwill toward all his fellow creatures, and his desire to help others, no less than his native energy, made him active in many lines outside of his actual personal in- terests. He took considerable interest in pub- lic affairs, and was captain of the York Washington Artillerists and president of the Vigilant Fire Company. both of which organ- izations mourned in his death the loss of a most able officer, and one whose efforts had done much to promote their efficiency and high standing. Col. Motter served in many official positions, and in every case discharged his

tory manner. On June 10, 1854, shortly be- fore his death, at a meeting held in the court- house by the friends of the York, Dillsburg, Shippensburg & Greencastle railroad, he was appointed one of a committee composed of in- fluential citizens who were to wait upon the people of York county to solicit subscriptions for the road. Though he died at the early age of forty, Aug. 2, 1854, after a protracted illness, he filled a place in the community not often attained by men whose years covered much more than the allotted span. With all of his many interests of a purely personal or social nature, and to all of which he attended faithfully, he was a man of marked business capacity, and by his own efforts he won success and attained an independent position, which, unfortunately, he was not long permitted to enjoy. Naturally robust, and possessing a hardy constitution, the long illness which pre- ceded his death was very trying, and he con- tinued at his work and bore his increasing afflictions with a fortitude which was wonder- ful. His funeral, which was conducted by Hut- mane Lodge, I. O. O. F., the York Washing- ton Artillerists and the Vigilant Fire Company, was one of the largest ever known in York.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 15

Author: Prowell, George R. Publication date: 1907 Publisher: J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1390

Author: Prowell, George R.
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1390