History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 184

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

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Mr. Kohler was married June 23, 1898, to Miss Florence Metzgar, daughter of An- drew J. Metzgar, of Philadelphia. The young people are popular socially and have a large number of warm friends.

WILLIAM H. MILLER, a cigar manu- facturer in Windsor township, was born in that township, June 7, 1868, son of Theodore and Ellen (Snyder) Miller, natives of Ger- many who came to this country in 1861.

Theodore Miller, at the time of his emi- gration, was twenty-eight years old, and a shoemaker by trade. Landing at Baltimore, he located first in Lower Windsor, and then in Windsor township, removing still later to Martinsville, where he died Feb. 16, 1885, and his wife, Nov. 3, 1888. He was a soldier in the Civil war in 1862, enlisting in Company G, 184th Reg. P. V. I., and serving three years. He was seriously disabled in the battle of Petersburg, June 22, 1864, when his right hip was shot away. Eight children were born to him and his wife, the oldest before the family left Germany, viz. : Oscar, of Windsor township; Emma, Mrs. Daniel Dillinger, of Red Lion; Mary, Mrs. Calvin Dietz, of York- ana; William H .; David, of Red Lion; Sam -- uel A., of Windsorville; Amanda E., Mrs .. Wesley Schmuck, of Windsorville; and one that died unnamed.

William H. Miller was still a child when his parents moved to Martinsville, and received al his education in that town. His first teacher was James Sitler, and he completed his school- ing under J. P. Wallace, at the age of sixteen .. Until he was thirteen the boy had always writ- ten with his left hand, but Mr. Wallace com- pelled him to use his right, an act which Mr. Miller his since greatly appreciated. On leav- ing school he began cigarmaking for George W. McGuigan, continuing that occupation in different places until he entered the business. for himself. In 1888, having saved enough from his earnings to make the essay, he and his wife began manufacturing cigars on their own account, using the basement of their dwelling for a factory. Mr. Miller was suc- cessful in his venture, and in 1899 erected a. building for his growing business, and he now employs eight hands and manufactures cigars ranging in price from $10.50 to $18 and $35 per thousand.

Mr. Miller was married, in Dallastown, in 1889, to Sophia J. Schmuck, daughter of Reu- ben and Eliza (Neff) Schmuck, both of whom are still living. Mrs. Miller has borne her husband three children: Paul E., Ernest M. and Orestus K. In religious faith Mr. Miller is identified with the United Brethren, and has served as assistant. class leader in that church .. Believing in the principles upheld by the Pro- hibition party, he has always supported the candidates on that ticket. He is emphatically a self-made man, who commenced life with nothing, but who has by his own industry and

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

perseverance made an assured place for him- Mr. Givens is a Republican. He and his es- self. He is upright and honest, and commands the unqualified respect of all who have been associated with him.

GEORGE W. GIVENS. of William Giv- ens & Son, of York, fish and produce dealers, was born in York, in 1869, son of William and Mary Ann ( Miller) Givens.

Dietrich Givens, the grandfather of George W., was a farmer of Manchester township, who later came to York. Here he died in 1877, and was buried at Prospect Hill ceme- tery. He married Miss Elizabeth Leiben- knight, and they had these children: Dietrich, a resident of York; William; Angeline, wife of Albert Frey, living in Baltimore; Mary, wife of George Neff, the well known druggist of York; Elizabeth, wife of Granville Weiser, of York; Jane, wife of Peter Lantz, of York; and Lydia, wife of Milton Brubaker, of York.

William Givens was born in York county, and received his education in the common schools. He assisted his father in farming, and at the age of twenty-two years engaged in business for himself, on East Market street, York, selling oysters. By strict attention to business, and good management of his affairs Mr. Givens has built up the finest trade in his line in the county. For some time the busi- ness was situated at Center Square, where business was done day and night. Mr. Givens located at his present place, at the corner of Court and Newton avenues, in 1883, building and furnishing to suit his business. The firm is now doing a general commission business, dealing in fruit, produce, fish and oysters, wholesale and retail, buying the goods from Baltimore and Philadelphia, and the finest of goods are on sale in season. Mr. Givens was married in York to Miss Mary Ann Miller, daughter of John Miller, and to this union these children were born : Charles E. G., who died in 1882, at the age of fifteen years; George W .; and Ida May, wife of A. L. Har- bold, of York.

timable wife reside in their fine residence at No. 232 South Pine street, York, where their many friends are always welcome.

JOHN JOSEPH BOWSER, head book- keeper for the Edison Electric Light Co., of York, was born Sept. 29, 1877, in East Ber- lin, son of Joseph E. and Lydia (Miller) Bowser.

John J. Bowser is descended from an- cestors who came from Germany early in the seventeenth century. There were three broth- ers, of whom Benjamin, from whom John J. Bowser was descended, settled at New Free- dom, York county. Benjamin, the grand- father of John J., was a farmer of New Free- dom, where he was born, and where he lived and died.

Joseph E. Bowser is a retired farmer of East Berlin, Adams county. His wife was Lydia Miller, daughter of Andrew Miller, a German Baptist clergyman, living near Spring Grove, York county. Ten children were born to Joseph E. and Lydia Bowser: Rebecca, whose twin sister died in infancy; Andrew, a farmer near East Berlin; Moses E., who has conducted a blacksmith shop for many years at Spring Grove; Daniel, a farmer of Hampton, Adams county ; Elizabeth, who married W. A. Walter, a contractor and architect of Wyomis- sing, Berks county; Katie, who married Wil- son L. Burgard, a saddler of Manchester, York county ; Lillie May, who married Robert Kauffman, a carpenter of East Berlin; Lydia A., at home in East Berlin, a graduate of the high school; and John J.

John Joseph Bowser was educated in the East Berlin High school and at Juniata Col- lege from which he was graduated in 1898. Before graduating he taught school one year. After teaching school for one year at New Freedom, York county, and for a time at Hol- linger's school near East Berlin, Mr. Bowser became bookkeeper for the Martin Carriage Works of York, this being in the spring of 1899. He remained here three and one-half years, and in July, 1902, became bookkeeper for the Edison Electric Light .Co., of York. a position which he has since retained.

George W. Givens attended the schools of York, and after completing his education as- sisted his father in the business. In 1903 he was admitted to the firm, and has proved to be a good, practical man of business. In 1897 Mr. Bowser was married June 3, 1900, to Ida Wiley, daughter of Michael Wiley, a farmer of East Berlin, and two children have he was united in marriage with Miss Ida L. Spangler, the daughter of John Spangler, and to this union two children have been born:, been born to this union: Wiley Michael, who Paul M. and Margaret Louise. In politics died in 1901, aged nine months; and Edward

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BIOGRAPHICAL

Joseph, born Oct. 19, 1902. Mr. Bowser is a member and liberal supporter of the German Baptist Brethren Church of York, of which he has been treasurer since 1900, and at times teacher of a Bible class and assistant superin- tendent and secretary of the Sunday-school. He is also chairman of the Young People's Meeting. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, but has never aspired to office. Mr. Bowser is considered one of the leading busi- ness men of the younger generation in York, and is a worthy representative of the old pioneer family whose name he bears.

ISAAC CLEMENS FINK, of York Ha- ven, Newberry township, York county, was born in New Holland, Manchester township, Oct. 22, 1872, son of Eli.L. and Salina (Clem- ens) Fink.

John Fink, the grandfather of Isaac C., was a farmer and large landowner of New- berry township, where he had two fine farms of eighty and sixty acres, respectively, also owning two tracts of woodland in Conewago township, of forty and twenty-five acres. He was a very prosperous man, and upright in all his dealings. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years, and was buried at Zion's View, Conewago township. He was twice married, and by his first wife had children as follows: Charles, who is deceased; Henry, a farmer of Newberry township; Mary, married to Adam Kohr, a farmer of Manchester town- ship; and Caroline, who married Henry Gil- mer, a farmer and coach builder of Lisbon, Cumberland county. His second wife was Elizabeth Linn, who died at the age of sev- enty-nine years, and was buried beside her hus- band. The following named children were born to Mr. Fink's second marriage : Leah married Peter Brunner, who died in 1904, and she re- sides near Strinestown, Newberry township; Amanda married Alexander Clemens, and lives at York Haven; Emma married James Sleets, night watchman at the York Haven Paper Mills, and they live at York Haven; Lucy is living at Pleasant Grove; Eli L. is the father of our subject.

Eli L. Fink was born in 1842 and received a common school education. He married Salina Clemens, daughter of Isaac and Eliza- beth (Fullerton) Clemens, and after marriage located on his father's farm, remaining until about five years after his father's death, when he removed to Codorus Furnace. There lie

staid seven years. He bought property in York Haven, which he later sold, and built a fine house. Later he bought a farm in New- berry township, of sixty-five acres, which he now has rented, at present residing with his son Isaac C. in York Haven. In 1903 he engaged in well drilling, which business he carries on quite extensively. While in New- berry township Mr. Fink was supervisor. Mrs. Fink died at York Haven July 16, 1902, and is buried at Pleasant Grove. Children as fol- lows were born to this union: Isaac C .; Eliza- beth, who died when two years old; Edward, who died in infancy ; and Howard, who is em- ployed as an electrician in York.

Isaac C. Fink attended the public schools of Hayrun, Codorus Furnace and York Ha- ven until the age of seventeen years, and then engaged in the York Haven Paper Mill. He was employed in different departments, run- ning a machine four years, and his ability and enterprise, received substantial recognition in 1902, when he was appointed foreman of the machine room.

On Sept. 16, 1897, Mr. Fink married Cath- erine Sheaffer, of Cumberland, Md., and the following children have come to them: Mary- land, born Dec. 4, 1898; Blanche, born Dec. 25, 1899, and Esther, born April 21, 1901. Mr. Fink's niece, Henrietta, also resides with him. He has a fine residence in York Haven, which he built shortly after his marriage.

In politics Mr. Fink affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the council of York Haven, and is a public-spirited citizen. He is a man of pleasing personality, and has a host of friends, being one of the in- telligent and representative, as well as pro- gressive, men of his township.

WILLIAM T. HESS, who is engaged extensively in the manufacture of mattresses, was born in 1873, in York, son of George W. Hess.

William Hess, grandfather of William T., died when about twenty-eight years old, and was buried at Prospect Hill cemetery. He had married Sarah Welsh, by whom he had these children : George W., Frank W., and Mary J.

George WV. Hess was born in York in 1849, son of William and Sarah ( Hess) Hess. At the age of eight years, his father having died, he was forced to go out among strangers to make his way in the world. He was employed at the Codorus Paper Mills, but his employers,

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

finding out the boy's extreme youth, dis- children: John; Christian; Jacob; Abraham; charged him. He then went to Inglefritz & Amanda, who married John Newman; Sarah, who married (first) Chester Bailey, and ( sec- ond) Levi Anstine; and Maria, the mother of William C. White's car shops, and from there as clerk to P. A. & S. Small, where he remained fourteen years. In 1881 he engaged in the manufac- ture of mattresses, in which business he be- came very successful, and he was the founder of the Wire Hair & Husk Mattress, of York. He also engaged in the furniture business on North George street, York, and the manufac- ture of paper boxes, employing on an average fifty-five hands. In 1905 he sold the furni- ture business to the York Supply Company, and is now engaged in business with his son, William T.

Mr. Hess was united in marriage with Emma V. Schall, daughter of Thomas B. and Eliza Schall, and to this union have been born : William T .; and George L., of Philadelphia. In politics Mr. Hess is a Republican, while fraternally he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, of York.

William T. Hess attended the schools of York until he was eighteen years old, and then learned the electrical business, which he fol- lowed five years, becoming skilled in that line of business, but left it to assist his father in his furniture business. In 1900 he engaged in the mattress business, having 5,000 feet of floor space in his factory, which is still not enough, the factory having to work nights to fill orders. His place of business is on Gas avenue, near West George street, and he man- ufactures principally for the home trade.

Mr. Hess was married to Dessie Doffler, a daughter of Clarence and Alice Doffler, of York, the former of whom is deceased. To this union one child has been born, Virginia D. In politics, like his father, Mr. Hess is an ardent Republican. In religious connection he is a member of the Lutheran Church, of York.

IVILLIAM C. LAU, a prosperous whole- sale and retail baker of Glen Rock, was born April 12, 1868, in Codorus township, son of Rudolph and Maria (Brenneman) Lau. His paternal grandfather was Jacob Lau, a stone- mason and farmer of York county, who had the following children : John; Adam; Daniel; Eve, who married George Bentz; Rudolph; Sarah, who married Levi Amsphire, and Levi. The maternal grandfather was Christian Brenneman, a farmer of York county, who married a Miss Meckley and had the following

Rudolph Lau, the father, was a stone and brick mason and worked at his trade thirty- six years on the Northern Central railroad, and when, after his eyes failed him he was unable to work, the railroad pensioned him. These children were born to him: Nathaniel; Sarah Jane, who married Eli Lentz; Lucy, de- ceased, married to James A. Shaffer ; William C .; and Levi. The father and mother of Will- iam C. Lau were for many years members of the Evangelical Church, and he was a mem- ber of the official board.

William C. Lau attended the public schools of Codorus township, subsequently being a student at Glen Rock, and at the age of fifteen began work, carrying water for the railroad hands. This he continued for about two years, working in summer and attending school in winter. He then served one year's apprentice- ship at the baker's trade. At this time he fell dangerously ill with the typhoid fever, and when he had recovered resumed work on the railroad, at which he remained two years. He then spent two years at the stone and brick mason trade with his father, being thus employed on the railroad for about ten years. Next he entered the employ of the York Ha- ven Paper mill, about eleven miles above York, furnishing the material from which the paper was manufactured and at the same time working at his trade. In these lines he continued for about two years. locating at Glen Rock in 1894 and buying out William O. Young's bakery, which had a ca- pacity of about fifteen hundred loaves of bread per week. Mr. Lau, on taking possession, en- larged the bakery, and as his business in- creased, enlarged the capacity until it is now 8,500 loaves per week. Mr. Lau has three wagons and eight horses in use, and his bakery is a fine brick structure, 30 x 70 feet, three stories in height, and is located on Hanover street, Glen Rock. His is the largest bakery business between York and Baltimore, Mr. Lau usually employing about seven hands. In 1898 he established a bakery at New Free- dom and continued there for three years, but, finding that his business in Glen Rock claimed his entire time, sold out to Joseph Freeland, who now conducts the store at that place.

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In politics Mr. Lau is a Democrat and was judge of elections in 1904. In 1889 he mar- ried Miss Flora T. Dunkle, daughter of Ben- jamin and Elizabeth Dunkle of Glen Rock, and they have had two children, Grace, who died in infancy, and Benjamin R. Fraternally Mr. Lau affiliates with the Junior Order of American Mechanics of Glen Rock, the I. O. O. F. of Goldsboro, and the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a devout member of the Evangelical Church, in which he has been a trustee for the last eight years and a teacher in the Sunday-school. Mr. Lau is a man of enterprise and public spirit, and has many warm friends. He is highly respected by his neighbors for his good citizenship and for the efforts he has put forth in assisting to build up and improve the community.

MORGAN E. GIPE, one of the substan- tial business men of York, Pa., was born in that city, April 17, 1867, a son of Hollings- worth and Amanda (Free) Gipe.

Hollingsworth Gipe, a retired musician, be- gan his musical career in 1861, when he en- tered the army as a musician, being stationed at the York barracks for three years. He then became an instructor of music, making a specialty of teaching band music, and the violin and piano. Mr. Gipe became one of the best known professors of music in the county, and is now regarded as an authority in all matters pertaining to this art. His wife, Amanda Free, was the daughter of Adam Free, a well known farmer and highly respected citizen of Manchester township. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. H. Gipe : Clara May, wife of E. T. Moul; Lillie Virginia, wife of A. S. Keller, who died in 1902; Walter Scott, who died at the age of three years; Annetta Bernice, at home; Morgan E .; Stuart Emer- son, a musician; Maude Estelle, wife of Au- gustus Beck; Edna Ardella, married to C. Harry Kain; and Blanch Lucille, wife of Louis S. Morse.

Morgan E. Gipe was educated in the pub- lic schools of this city and at the age of fifteen years, in September, 1882, entered the dry- goods store of J. T. Kopp, then located in. the McGrath property, Nos. 6 and 8 South George street. Promotions followed as the business grew, and in the year 1889 he was admitted to the partnership of the firm of J. T. Kopp & Co., taking charge of the then rapidly growing upholstering department. " partnership

continued until 1895, when Mr. Kopp, its senior member, withdrew from the business, and the firm of Strawinski & Gipe was formed, remaining at Nos. 6-8-10-12 South George street until the year 1904. In April of that year, after twenty-two years of continuous activity in the same location, Mr. Gipe with- drew from the firm of Strawinski & Gipe, and in the following October opened his present magnificent establishment at Nos. 34 and 36 South George street, a few doors from the old location. The new business comprises a com- plete stock of wall papers, carpetings and rugs; hardwood floors and grilles; lace cur- tains and draperies, and art needle work. The establishment is well equipped to handle the extensive business which followed the open- ing of the new store, which is considered one of the handsomest establishments in the State, and reflects great credit on the city of York and vicinity.

On June 30, 1896, Mr. Gipe married Susan Irene Strickler, daughter of Alfred D. Strick- ler, of Hellam township. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gipe-Elizabeth and Harriet Louisa, both of whom are very bright little girls. Fraternally Mr. Gipe is affiliated with the York Lodge, No. 213, B. P. O. Elks, and Codorus Council, No. 2091, R. A. Mr. Gipe's religious connections are with St. John's Episcopal Church. He has long been active in the Merchants' Associa- tion-one of the strong factors in the city's progress and welfare-and on Feb. 12, 1906, was elected its president for the ensuing year, an honor that attests well to his high standing in the business world and to his worth as a citizen. He has earned the reputation of being a man of upright methods and honorable deal- ings, and in private life his character is above reproach.

EDWARD H. NEIMAN, engaged in the manufacture of cigars at Thomasville, was born Sept. 25, 1869, son of William and Susan (Hake) Neiman, who are both natives of Pennsylvania.

William Neiman was born in York county and received his education in the common schools. While still a young man he engaged in farming and followed this profession all of his life, owning a valuable homestead in Manchester township, which is now the prop- erty of his son, Eli. William Neiman died in 1891, aged seventy-one years, while his wife

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HISTORY OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

survived him until 1895, when she passed born in that place, son of Abtil and Sarah away in her seventy-second year. In religion (King) Bollinger, on March 23, 1871. Eman- the family were Lutherans, whil in politics Mr. Neiman upheld the principles of the Re- publican party, and served as school director. To him and his wife these children were born : Eli, John, Mary, Sarah, Amanda, Elizabeth, William, Augustus, Susan (deceased) and Edward.

Edward H. Neiman was educated in the common schools of Manchester township and remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, when he entered the employ of Jacob Becker, who was one of the leading manufac- turers of cigars in Manchester township. Mr. Neiman remained with Mr. Becker but a short time and then himself engaged in the manu- facture of cigars, in which occupation he has been engaged to the present time. In 1895 he removed to Thomasville, where he built a small factory, which he occupied until 1900 and then erected his present brick establishment, which is 28 x 70 feet, three stories and basement. Mr. Neiman employs on an average forty-five people in the several departments, and he makes an excellent class of goods, his trade being principally in the Western States. He has an undoubted reputation for honest and conscientious methods of business. He sup- plies local dealers with special brands, and his annual output is now about 2,250,000 cigars. His trade, as the excellence of his goods is recognized, is constantly increasing and he employs two traveling salesmen, his product also being handled by Western jobbers. Mr. Neiman is a Republican in politics, but has always refused to accept office. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Malta, York Lodge No. 174, of York. Mr. Neiman is thrifty, industrious and self-reliant-one who thoroughly understands the cigar manufactur- ing business. A valued evidence of his pro- ficiency in this line is a silver medal which he received from the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- tion, in 1904, in recognition both of the good workmanship and the quality of his cigars. The memento adorns his office walls. Aside from his thoroughly substantial business qual- ities, Mr. Neiman is a highly respected and popular citizen.

CHARLES C. BOLLINGER, who con- ducts a general merchandise store in the thriv- ing village of Seitzland, York county, was

tel K. Bollinger, his paternal grandfather, married Barbara Klinefelter and they had these children: Abtil; Stephen; Aaron; Uriah; Amanda, who married (first) Edward E. Dixon, and (second) Benjamin Sheffer; and Jennie, who married T. B. Seitz. Emanuel Bollinger was for many years engaged in the manufacture of fertilizers, was one of the pio- neers of that business in this section, and is now living retired at Seitzland. The maternal grandfather of Charles C. Bollinger was Charles King, a farmer of Shrewsbury town- ship, who had the following children : George D .; Lucinda, who married Amos Krout, and Sarah, mother of Charles C.

Charles C. Bollinger was reared by his grandfather, Charles King, his father having died when he was three years old. He was educated in the public schools of Shrewsbury township and at the age of nineteen, having learned telegraphy, was employed by the Northern Central Railroad as assistant agent, continuing as such for about four years. For the next five years he followed the flour mill- ing business, discontinuing this in 1897 to en- gage in the grocery business. In 1902 Mr. Bollinger engaged in his present lines, general merchandise and produce. The business in which Mr. Bollinger has established himself is one of the oldest in the county and prior to his taking possession of the store, had become somewhat run down, but by strict application and honest, open handed dealing, Mr. Boll- inger has expanded the trade, until now he has one of the best and most lucrative enter- prises in his section of the State. Weekly he ships a carload to Baltimore, and jobs produce to the store trade at Glen Rock.

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History of York County Pennsylvania, Volume II, Part 184

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