History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 16

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

USA > Pennsylvania > York County > History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 16

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

George F. Motter, son of Col. Daniel Mot- ter, was a worthy successor to his father in the business life of York. He was about ten years old when his parents moved to this city, his father at that time taking charge of the "Mot- ter House," and he attended the public schools of the city and the York County Academy. He commenced work as a clerk in the dry goods store of John A. Weiser, at the southeast cor- ner of Center Square, and followed that occu- pation for several years. But merchandising did not appeal to him. and he went to learn the trade of machinist at the establishment of Baugher. Frey & Kurtz. now Eyster. Weiser & Co. This proved to be the principal work of his life, for he made his greatest success as a manufacturer of machinery. In time he be- came a member of the firm of Frey, Motter & Co., who had a branch of the West End Manu- factory, this concern doing business for about ten years, when it was reorganized as Frey & Motter, manufacturers of boilers and engines. The senior member. Enos Frey, died in 1892, and the business was then assumed by Mr.

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Motter and his sons, under the style of George F. Motter & Sons, continuing so until four years before Mr. Motter's death, when he sold his interest to his sons, thereafter living re- tired. Mr. Motter was always looked upon as one of the ablest promoters of up-to-date in- dustrial conditions in York, for though not an idle theorist or reckless speculator, he was progressive to the core, and his energy and thorough executive ability made him recog- nized as a friend of progress from the time of his early manhood. He encouraged and sup- ported many enterprises outside of his own line, being a far-sighted manager and a shrewd financier, and at the time of his death was still serving as a director in the York Safe & Lock Company, the Farmers Market Company and the York County National Bank, and was treasurer of the York Clay Company. He was one of the originators of the Westinghouse Light, Heat & Power Company of York. Out- side of these numerous interests he found time for the various projects which tend to improve a city both morally and materially, making a community self-respecting, safe, convenient and agreeable as a place of residence. Like his father he was particularly interested in the Vigilant Fire Company, of which he was a member for many years, and at one time en- gineer, and although he was not in the active service for several years before his death he personally attended fires and looked after the steamers. For a number of years he was one of the trustees of the Prospect Hill Ceme- tery Company.

Fraternally Mr. Motter united with the Artisans and the Freemasons, and his relig- ious connection was with Trinity Reformed Church, of which he had been a member of the Consistory for many years prior to his death. He passed away at his home quietly and sud- denly, at a quarter to seven in the morning of March 15, 1906, while reading his newspaper, without any warning that death was so near, for he arose that day apparently in his usual good health. Though he had lived retired for the four years preceding his demise his sudden taking away affected many interests, and he was widely missed and as widely mourned, and there were many expressions of sincere regret from his associates in the different re-

lations of life. In "Pulpit and Pew," for April, 1906, appeared the following :

At a meeting of the Consistory of Trinity Re- formed Church, held March 15, 1906, the following resolutions were adopted in memory of Mr. Geo. F. Motter:

With sorrow the Consistory of Trinity Re- formed Church has learned of the very sudden death of Mr. Geo. F. Motter, and would hereby record its high appreciation of the personal worth and valuable services of the departed.

Mr. Motter was all his life a member of Trinity Reformed Church and for thirty-seven years a mem- ber of the Consistory, serving first as Deacon, and later as Elder and Trustee. In all these offices he acted for the betterment of his fellowmen and the welfare of Trinity Reformed Church.

By courtesy and kindness, as well as by purity of life and character, our departed friend has se- cured the love, esteem and confidence of his co. workers in this church and elsewhere. We express our deep sympathy to the family of our deceased brother in their great loss and bereavement.

J. FRANK GABLE, A. LEE SHULENBERGER, E. H. POLACK, Committee.

IN MEMORIAM.

George Frederick Motter, Elder and Trustee of Trinity Reformed Church, died suddenly at his home in this city March 15, 1906, at nearly sixty- eight years of age. An impressive funeral service was conducted by his pastor, assisted by the pastor of Grace Reformed Church, on March 17. The very large attendance of friends and representative citi- zens was a just tribute of respect and honor in which he was universally held. At the close of a beautiful afternoon his body was laid to rest on a sunny slope of Prospect Hill Cemetery in the simplicity and faith in which he lived his life. Not only is his loss keenly felt by a loving family but very deeply do his friends miss his bright and cheerful countenance and sympathetic heart, his business associates feel the absence of his helpful and sound thought and judgment, and his church realizes the removal of a trustful and confident Christian and a conscientious and faithful Elder.

Mr. Motter loved his home. To him his family was a sacred circle, in which his great heart beat with devoted throbs. The relation of flesh and blood was to him a hallowed one. Nothing was too much to sacrifice for the blessing of the household of which he was the loving head and center. He had a very wide circle of friendship and was himself always a true and faithful friend. There was noth- ing half hearted as there was nothing deceptive about him. When he gave his friendship it was not to be taken back nor at times withheld but grew stronger as the years went by.

Mr. Motter was a successful business man. He began at the bottom of the ladder and climbed by his own effort and perseverance, rung by rung, until he stood among those who represented the manu- facturing and financial interests of the city. He made a record of which he could be proud, and which deservingly placed him in honor and position

BIOGRAFHICAL

among his business associates. He was a self made man and an example of the rich reward of honest and faithful toil. He had sound and keen business judgment and was sought frequently by others for advice and counsel, and was of value in the many business concerns in which he was called to the directorship. He was devoted to the welfare of York and was one of her best citizens.

Mr. Motter loved his Church. His Christian faith and his devotion to his church were conspicu- ous in his life. Here he lived truly in the modesty and simplicity of a childlike faith. He was regular in his attendance upon the means of grace. He never grew too old to be a scholar in the Sunday- school. He took upon himself faithfully all the duties and obligations and privileges of church membership. He delighted in the service and min- istry he could render. He was exceptionally effi- cient as an officer of the church in which capacity he served for thirty-seven years. Many things of the activity and development of Trinity Reformed congregation stand to-day as a memorial of his love and devotion and service to her work and welfare. The last acts of his life were given in the care and oversight of the renovation of God's house. He did not live to see the beauty of this earthly temple in which he wrought a great part of his life, but we believe that he now looks upon the beauty of the Heavenly temple. The earthly house of his taber- nacle was dissolved but he has a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heav- ens. Death had no fear as it had no pain for him. He died as he lived, in the Lord, in the confidence and faith and assurance of the greater fulness of eternal life.

Mr. Motter married Sarah J. Barnhart, who still resides at the family home at No. 48 South Beaver street, in York. Eight children of this union also survive, all residents of York, namely: Mrs. W. H. Ruby, Robert L. Mot- ter, H. L. Motter, Frank G. Motter, Mrs. H. L. Link, Mrs. John Noss, George F. Motter, Jr., and Charles E. Motter.

MARTIN LUTHER EBERT was born in York, Pa., April 4, 1848, son of Henry and Sarah (Smyser) Ebert.

Adam Ebert was the father of Henry Eb- ert, and was born in 1747, being a pioneer in Manchester township and whose ancestors emi- grated from Holland. He married Miss Eliz- abeth Eyster.

Henry Ebert was born in Manchester town- ship, Feb. 9, 1809, and was one of the well-to- do farmers of his township, besides being for a number of years a director in the York Coun- ty Bank, one of the old banking institutions of the city of York. He married Sarah Smyser, born in 1816, daughter of Jacob and Mary Smyser. Henry Ebert passed away March 28, 1884, his wife surviving until 1893.

Martin Luther Ebert was reared from 1855 on the farm in West Manchester, and attended the public schools, later on attending York County Academy. After finishing his studies he returned home and assisted his father, at which he continued until he formed a partner- ship with his brother and embarked in the mer- cantile business, which he disposed of several years later. He then engaged in the real es- tate and insurance business, continuing in this line until 1884, when he retired from the in- surance business, but kept his real estate in- terests.

Mr. Ebert has been connected with the Western National Bank for a number of years, and is a director and large stock holder. He is also interested in the Central Market House of York, of which he is one of the directors. Politically he is a Republican, for one year be- ing a member of the city council from the Fifth ward, now the Eleventh. Fraternally Mr. Eberts is affiliated with the Mt. Zion Lodge No. 74. I. O. O. F., also with the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania.

The responsibilities of Mr. Ebert's posi- tions have been great and onerous, but he has discharged his duties in a most able manner. He also has other business interests in York, being an active promoter of a number of pro- jects and a director of several companies. Mr. Ebert has many warm friends who enjoy his business success and his social and political prominence.

CHARLES KURTZ. In connection with the department of this compilation touching upon the life histories of those who have fig- ured conspicuously in industrial, commercial and civic affairs in York county, there is defi- nite interest attaching to the career of Mr. Kurtz, who stands as a representative of one of the sterling old families of the county. and who is personally one of the prominent busi- ness men and influential citizens of York, the attractive capital city of the county. His hon- ored father long held precedence as one of the leading business men and most progressive and public-spirited citizens of York, where his name ever stood as a synonym of honor and in- tegrity in all the relations of life, while he at- tained to distinctive success in temporal affairs through his own well-directed efforts along legitimate lines of enterprise, having estab-

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

lished the malting business still conducted un- der his name over a half century ago, in part- nership with J. Hamilton Ness. The business is now conducted under the firm name of W. H. Kurtz & Son, and in control is the subject of this review, who has given his personal supervision and control since the death of his father. The business dates its inception back to the year 1845, when William H. Kurtz be- came associated with J. Hamilton Ness in es- tablishing the enterprise, whose scope and im- portance were limited at the start, but through reliable methods and indefatigable industry the progress of the concern was certain, direct and rapid, and resulted in the building up of the present magnificent malting business, which is one of the largest and most important of the sort in the southern part of Pennsylvania, while its ramifications extend throughout this State and the name of the firm stands for ab- solute reliability and honorable business meth- ods wherever it is known. The original firm of Kurtz & Ness continued operations about twenty years, and Mr. Kurtz then secured sole control of the business, while the present title of W. H. Kurtz & Son was adopted in 1885, when the subject of this sketch became actively identified with the enterprise. His father con- tinued to be active in connection with the sup- ervision of the business until the time of his death, in 1894, and his name merits a high place upon the scroll of the loyal, honorable and able citizens who have contributed in marked measure to the industrial and civic ad- vancement and prestige of the city of York, where his circle of friends was circumscribed only by that of his acquaintances. Since the death of his father Charles Kurtz has con- tinued to carry along the business on the same conservative lines which have ever defined its course, and he has fully upheld the distinction of the honored name which he bears and the reputation of the concern which absorbed so much of the thought, energy and pragmatic ability of his father.

Charles Kurtz was born in the city of York, June 3, 1857, and secured his early educational discipline in the public schools, and after completing the curriculum of the same he continued his studies in the York County Academy, where he rounded out his education and properly fitted himself for as-

suming the business responsibilities which soon devolved upon him. He is a progressive busi- ness man and a thoroughly public-spirited citi- zen, while he enjoys unreserved popularity in the city which has been his home throughout the course of his life. He is identified with a number of important local enterprises aside from that of which mention has been made, being a member of the directorates of the York County National Bank, the York Opera House Company, the York Gas Company, the York County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, one of the most prosperous and solid institutions of the sort in the state, the York Water Com- pany, and several turnpike companies. He has various other capitalistic interests of im- portance and is ever ready to lend his aid and co-operation to the support of enterprises or measures for the furtherance of the general welfare and the material and civic advance- ment of his home city, which holds a distinct and certain place in his affections and in which he takes just pride, as do all loyal citizens of the attractive and favored little city. In po- litics Mr. Kurtz accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party.

Mr. Kurtz has been twice married. By his first union was born one son, William H., who is now a student in the famous old Phillips Academy at Exeter, N. H., where he is being prepared for Harvard College. By the sec- ond union a daughter. Julia B., blesses the home circle.

MATTHEW JAMES MCKINNON, M. - D. A practicing physician for over half a cen- tury and for thirty-two years in the city of York is a record which makes Dr. Mckinnon a well known figure. And still he passes in and out among the people. healing their physical ills and counseling with them in their various and manifold activities, carrying gladness and sun- shine wherever he goes. Dr. Mckinnon is a most popular member of York society, and is passing his declining years amid hosts of the friends he made in his earlier career.

Dr. Mckinnon is a descendant of the Mc- Kinnon Clan of Scotland, the first of the name to come to America being Thomas Mc- Kinnon, whose coming antedated the Revo- lutionary war. He settled in Harford Coun- ty, Md .. and here Grandfather Mckinnon mar-

BIOGRAPHICAL

ried into the Whiteford family and later re- brother; Dr. John Whiteford Mckinnon, a moved to Lower Chanceford township in York county. The Doctor's father, Michael Whiteford Mckinnon, was then a baby in arms. When he grew to manhood he married Ann Logue McCall, of the historic family whose name is so familiar in the county, and which will be more fully mentioned in another part of this work.

Dr. Matthew J. Mckinnon was born in Chanceford township and passed his boyhood on his father's farm, receiving a good common school education in the country schools and at private Academies and College at New Ath- ens, Ohio. His professional course was taken at the University of Maryland, from which he graduated in 1853. His first practice was in Huntingdon Co., Pa., where he continued suc- cessfully until the breaking out of the war. He at once volunteered for the service, and became surgeon of the 53d Regiment. He followed the fortunes of this regiment for some sixteen months, and then was compelled to resign on account of ill-health, brought on by exposure in the Peninsular campaign.

The Doctor resumed the practice of his profession at Hagerstown, Md., and was en- gaged at that point until his coming to Chance- ford township in 1870. Three years later he came up to York, and since that date has been actively engaged to the present time. It is 1in- necessary to add any word of encomium on Dr. Mckinnon's professional work in York, his extensive practice being evidence sufficient to proclaim him one of the city's best phy- sicians and surgeons. He has had official con- nection with the York City Hospital as sur- geon since its organization thirteen years ago, and for eight years has been surgeon to the York County Almshouse. He has also been for thirty-two years surgeon at York for the Pennsylvania and Northern Central railroads.

Dr. McKinnon has reared a family of six children in York, his marriage taking place in Hagerstown. Md., in 18:7. His wife's maiden name was Amelia J. Schemdel, and her chil- dren are as follows: Annie, who married Wil- liam F. Ramsey of York, and died in 1889: Carrie, wife of I. Newton Fanst, a citizen of Huntingdon county: Margaret, wife of Wil- liam T. Ellis, one of the directors of the Phila- delphia Press : Robert Bruce. City Engineer of York: Walter Scott. engineer, assistant to his

dentist at York. The last named was born at Hagerstown June 28, 1868, and was educated at York Collegiate Institute and the Univer- sity of Maryland, graduating at the latter in. 1889, taking a course in dentistry. He lias since conducted an office successfully in York, where he is a popular member of society, be- ing a member of the Masonic lodge, the Bache- lors' Club, and of the Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Mathew J. Mckinnon has always taken an active interest in affairs at York, and is al- ways found in the forefront of every move- ment looking to the betterment of her society. He was made a Mason long years ago at Hag- erstown ( 1868) . and affiliates with the Arti- sans. In religious belief he is a Presbyterian, having been a member and an elder in that church since before the war. His voice has always been for advancement, and though well up in years he is yet in the full possession of his powers. Both he and his family are among York's most popular citizens.

ROBERT BRUCE MCKINNON, city engineer of York, comes of stanch Scottish lineage, as his name indicates, and he is a na- tive of the State of Maryland, having been born in the city of Hagerstown, Washington county, Dec. 3. 1864, son of the now vener- able Dr. Matthew J. Mckinnon. of York, a sketch of whose honorable and useful career immediately precedes. When Robert B. Mckinnon was about five years of age his parents removed from Maryland to York, and in the public schools of the city and under the instruction of private tutors he had well- ordered educational discipline in his youth. He had given special attention to technical study along the line of his present profession. and when twenty years of age found employ- ment as a member of the engineering corps of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany. His next position was of a similar na- ture, with the Kansas & Nebraska Railroad. and later he was identified with engineering work on the line of the Kansas City. Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad Company. He was concerned with railroading work of this order in the West for a period of about twelve years. during which time he operated in Kansas, Arkansas. Missouri and the Indian Territory. One of the most eventful periods in his career. how-

HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

ever, was that during which he was engaged in Downey, daughter of James B. Downey, a the lumber business in the famous Cherokee prominent and influential citizen of Lancaster, Nation, Indian Territory, where he remained Pa., and of this union has been born one son, James Downey Mckinnon. about one year, meeting with excellent success . in his operations. In 1898 Mr. Mckinnon re- turned to York, Pa., and in the same year was LIEUT. CHARLES H. STALLMAN is one of the leading spirits in the commercial life of the city of York, being a large wholesale dealer in tobacco and cigars, president of the City Bank, and identified with manufacturing interests of various kinds. Lieut. Stallman is a native of Prussia, born Oct. 20, 1840, and he came to York with his parents when a six- year-old boy. His father died here the sixth year after his arrival, at the age of fifty-two elected to his present office, that of city engi- neer. He had previously served in that capa- city for three months, during the illness of the regular incumbent. So faithful and satisfac- tory have been his services in this office that he has been retained in the same consecutively, having been honored with two elections, for terms of three years each. His preferment is well merited, since he has won precedence by reason of his marked ability as a civil engineer, years, and the mother in 1861, when fifty-six while he is held in confidence and esteem as an years of age.

executive and as a citizen.

Regarding his professional work in the West, it may be said that the record of Mr. Mckinnon's experiences in railroad operations in that section would fill a volume, while the details could not fail to prove most interesting. He was the chief engineer in a continuous sur- vey of one hundred and eighty miles, and had charge of the surveying of eighty miles of the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf railroad, run- ning all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The fact that he lived in tents for a period of five years indicates in a measure the untram- meled life which was his, while he also en- dured many hardships and encountered dan- ger from various sources while operating in wild and unsettled sections of the far West. That his physical powers did not suffer through his experiences is evident to all who meet the sturdy and vital city engineer of York.

In politics Mr. Mckinnon is a stalwart Democrat, taking a lively interest in the ques- tions and issues of the hour. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of York. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree and belongs to the Shrine, and also belongs to the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, the Bachelors' Club, the Country Club and the Artisans, enjoying dis- tinctive popularity in both business and social circles.

Lieut. Stallman managed to secure a good common-school education, and began his busi- ness career at the early age of fourteen years in the hardware store of Rosenmiller & Co., then the leading hardware merchants of the city. He remained with this firm until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted, and did not again engage in business life until after his dis- charge, March 12, 1865. He then became con- nected as a clerk with P. A. & S. Small, then a large firm in York, with whom he remained un- til 1874, this marking the date of his entry into the wholesale tobacco business in York with R. L. Shetter, under the firm name of Stallman & Shetter. In 1900 he purchased the interests of his partner and in 1902 formed the present firm of C. H. Stallman & Son, by the admission of his son George L. Lieut. Stallman has ac- quired other interests during this period, being a director in the hosiery manufacturing firm of Joseph Black Sons Company, director in the York Wall Paper .Company, and president of the City Bank of York. He is a member of the school board of thirteen years' standing, and served as president of the board for two years, his service in this regard being marked by high- ly increased efficiency in the public schools.

In social life Lieut. Stallman is a familiar and popular figure. He is a leading member of the Knights of Malta, and in all the organiza- tions incident to his military career-Sedg- wick Post, No. 37, of the G. A. R .. the Union Veteran Legion and the Loyal Legion. Lieut. Stallman also takes a lively interest in the af-

On Oct. 14. 1902, Mr. Mckinnon was united in marriage to Miss Marion Grace fairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hav-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 16

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